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 5

By Jon Ross
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties

September 29, 2021

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

► Wyatt Nausadis of Traverse City St. Francis maneuvers for a 31-yard touchdown run as his team defeated Boyne City 48-14.

► Shane Aho scores from two yards out to give Hancock a 20-17 win in the Copper Bowl over Houghton. The game was played in a driving rainstorm.

► Cole Lindow of Frankenmuth goes 93 yards for the score before halftime as the Eagles rolled to a 48-21 win over Freeland.

► DeWitt's Tommy McIntosh hauls in a 56-yard touchdown pass from Ty Holtz as the Panthers defeated Grand Ledge 57-15.

► Logan McColley intercepts a Plainwell pass and returns it for a touchdown in Edwardsburg's 49-0 win over the Trojans.

Previous clips

Week 4: Watch
Week 3: Watch
Week 2: Watch
Week 1: Watch