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.

Unforgettable 5ive: 2022 Football Playoffs Week 3

By Jon Ross
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties

November 15, 2022

Five unforgettable plays from the second week of the 2022 MHSAA Football Playoffs:

► Detroit Cass Tech defeats Macomb Dakota 35-21 as Leeshaun Mumpfield scores the go-ahead touchdown.

M'Khi Guy propels Muskegon to a 27-20 win over Zeeland West with a 15-yard touchdown run.

Clinton downs Warren Michigan Collegiate 31-30 as Bradyn Lehman plows in for the game-winner.

Jacob Shank scores five touchdowns including one from 48-yards out as Riverview defeats Dearborn Divine Child 45-35.

 Birmingham Groves gets past Livonia Franklin 32-25 as Joshua Woods scores on a 48-yard touchdown run.