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 1

By Jon Ross
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties

November 1, 2022

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

► Jacob Bartlett converts the 2-point try in overtime giving Standish-Sterling a 30-29 win over Clare.

► Livonia Clarenceville stops Redford Union's game-tying 2-point attempt and wins 48-46 in overtime.

► Alex Stoyanovich boots South Lyon past South Lyon East in overtime, 30-27.

► Waterford Mott's Kalieb Osborne throws two touchdown passes and scores seven more on the ground in a 77-63 win over Saginaw Heritage.

► Dawson Cary scores the game's only touchdown in a 6-0 overtime win for East Jordan over Frankfort.