Be the Referee: Football Rules Differences

By Sam Davis
MHSAA Director of Officials

August 23, 2023

Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Football Rules Differences - Listen

The first week of the high school football season is always exciting … and sometimes confusing. Here are some – not all – differences between the high school game and what you see on Saturdays and Sundays.

In high school, there is no such thing as an uncatchable ball when judging pass interference. It is a penalty if there is illegal contact, whether the ball is catchable or not.

In overtime, high school teams start with the ball at the 10-year line – not the 25 like in college. And in high school overtime, you are only able to get a first down via penalty. And, at no time is a high school team required to go for two points.

And on extra point plays, if the defense gains possession, the try is over. The defense cannot return the ball for two points.

STATE CHAMPS! Michigan: Extra Point Playoffs Week 5

November 24, 2022

3:50 - Division 8 - Ubly vs. Whiteford
5:28 - Division 2 - Forest Hills Central vs. De La Salle
7:11 - Division 6 - West Catholic vs. Negaunee
9:08 - Division 4 - Goodrich vs. South Christian
10:24 - Mr. Football Final Four Announcement
16:44 - DMC Gamechangers
18:52 - DAC Athlete of the Year Promo
20:03 - Anvil Award Final Four Announcement
26:04 - Division 7 - St. Francis vs. Lumen Christi
27:24 - Division 1 - Belleville vs. Caledonia 
32:08 - Division 5 - Frankenmuth vs. Gladwin
33:23 - Division 3 - Detroit King vs. Muskegon
38:28 - Final Thoughts on the MHSAA Football Finals