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 2

November 4, 2022

This week on STATE CHAMPS! Extra Point: Lorne Plant, Sydney Cariel and Devin Gardner recap the notable games from Week 1 of the MHSAA Football Playoffs and preview the upcoming district finals.

1:48 - Romeo vs. Chippewa Valley Recap
3:33 - Cass Tech vs. West Bloomfield Recap
5:57 - Trenton vs. Southgate Anderson Recap
6:47 - Kalieb Osbourne - Waterford Mott
8:44 - Sterling Anderson - Detroit King
10:10 - Darkhorse - Romeo
11:02 - Darkhouse - Davison
11:30 - Mr. Football Award
15:25 - Detroit Athletic Club Athlete of the Year Promo
16:41 - DMC Ask the Doc
17:57 - Anvil Award
20:54 - Menards Game Preview
22:20 - Detroit Catholic Central at Northville - Game of the Week Preview