![](/sites/default/files/imported/Photos/Daily/BetheRefereeSig.jpg)
Be the Referee: Returning Kickoffs
September 22, 2016
Every football game starts with a kickoff, and our "You Make The Call" series will start with the same play for 2016.
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 – You Make the Call: Returning Kickoffs - Listen
Every football game starts with a kickoff, and our 'You Make The Call' series will start with the same play for 2016.
The kicker kicks the ball high and deep off the tee, and the return man – three yards deep in his own end zone – catches the kick in the air, and now starts to head upfield to try and gain yards. Under high school rules, is the legal?
Believe it or not, the answer is no. Under high school rules, whether it’s a kickoff or a punt, once the ball breaks the plane of the goal line, the ball is dead and it becomes a touchback, with the offense taking over, first and 10, on the 20-yard line.
College and professional players can return kicks from the end zone; high school players cannot.
Past editions
Sept. 15: Concussions - Listen
Sept 8: Equipment Covering the Knees - Listen
Sept. 1: Play Clock Experiment - Listen
Aug. 25: Clipping in the Free Blocking Zone - Listen
![](/sites/default/files/imported/Photos/WinterReferee2H.jpg)
Be the Referee: National Rules Process
February 8, 2018
In this week's edition, assistant director Mark Uyl explains the process by which national playing rules are made and changed.
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 – National Playing Rules Process - Listen
Many times the MHSAA gets asked the question in each sport – how are the national playing rules written?
The MHSAA is a part of the National Federation of State High School Associations. The NFHS, an organization based out of Indianapolis, works to write the playing rules in all sports sponsored by the MHSAA.
The primary focus of all National Federation playing rules is on the health and safety of those playing the game. For suggestions each year, states all across the country can submit proposals for change, and then through the voting process, rules get approved for the following season.
Past editions
February 1: Calling Intentional Fouls - Listen
January 25: Points at the Edge of the Mat - Listen
January 18: Behavior Warning - Listen
January 11: Ice Hockey Safe & Sound - Listen
January 4: Why No Shot Clock - Listen
December 21: Coaches Responsible for Equipment - Listen
December 14: Mentoring New Officials - Listen
December 7: Dive on the Floor - Listen
November 30: Wrestling Weight Monitoring - Listen
November 23: Ejections - Listen
November 16: Toughest Call - Listen
November 9: Hurdling - Listen
November 2: The Survey Says - Listen
October 26: Helmet Comes Off - Listen
October 19: Goal Line Rules - Listen
October 12: No 1st-Year Fee - Listen
October 5: Athletic Empty Nesters - Listen
September 28: Misunderstood Football Rules: Kicking - Listen
September 21: Preparation for Officials - Listen
September 14: Always Stay Registered - Listen
September 7: Other Football Rules Changes - Listen
August 31: Pop-Up Onside Kicks - Listen
August 24: Blindside Blocks - Listen