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: 2021 Football Week 6

By Jon Ross
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties

October 6, 2021

Here's a look at our Week 6 "Unforgettable 5ive" from MHSAA.tv and MHSAA media partner broadcasts:

► Dillon Tatum scores in overtime as West Bloomfield defeats Clarkston 34-27.

► Tomas Layne scores from 10 yards out in overtime as Portage Central downs St. Joseph 36-30.

►  Hunter Robinson scores in overtime as Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central edges Grand Rapids Christian 35-28.

► Connor Lixie makes the interception sealing Lowell's 24-7 win over East Grand Rapids.

► Jace Simerson sprints to a 59-yard rushing touchdown as part of a big Goodrich comeback during its 48-21 win over Ortonville Brandon.