2020 Major Football Rules Differences
Between NFHS and NCAA
These NFHS/NCAA Football Rules Differences are presented in summary form and
should only to be used as a guide; not all nuances are described. This information is in
no way meant to replace the NFHS Football Rules Book. 2020 changes are shaded.
These differences have been generously compiled and provided by George Demetriou,
Football Rules Interpreter for Colorado. The NFHS is not responsible for content,
accuracy or the maintenance of this information. You may contact the author at
[email protected].
NFHS
NCAA
Backward Pass
May be thrown by any player at any time for
any purpose.
May not be thrown intentionally out of bounds
to conserve time.
Ball
Leather and composition allowed; no panel
restrictions.
Must be leather with four panels; marking the
ball for special use is prohibited.
Batting
A grounded loose ball may not be batted in any
direction except K can bat a grounded
scrimmage kick back towards his own goal line.
The penalty is 10 yards.
A grounded loose ball may be batted
backward except in the end zone.
The penalty is 10 yards.
Blocking Below the Waist
Not allowed outside the free-blocking
zone.
Within the zone, linemen of either team may
only block opposing linemen.
Offensive linemen at the snap positioned
outside the tackle box, must block below the
waist from the front.
The offense is prohibited from blocking below
the waist when the block occurs more than
five yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
Players in motion at the snap or outside the
tackle box at any time after the snap may not
block below the waist toward the original
position of the ball.
Blocks below the waist by the defense must be
directed from the front.
Additional restrictions apply.
Blocking in Back
Within the free-blocking zone, offensive
linemen who were in the zone at the
snap and may block in the back
Blocks in the back are legal within the blocking
zone.
opponents who were in the zone at the
snap.
Blocking Out of Bounds
No restrictions.
It is illegal for any player to initiate a block
against an opponent who is out of bounds. A
15-yard penalty with an automatic first down.
Chop Block
Any high-low or low-high block at knees or
below of opponent in contact with teammate of
the blocker.
A high-low or low-high combination block
by any two players against an opponent
(not the runner) anywhere on the field,
with or without a delay between contacts;
the “low” component is at the opponent’s
thigh or below.
Clipping
All clipping is illegal.
Blocks from behind at the knee or below are
illegal anywhere except against the runner.
Blocks from behind above the knee are legal
within the blocking zone.
Coaching Box
Three coaches in a restricted 2-yard belt
between team box and sideline only
while the ball is dead.
Separate 2-yard belts for officials and
coaches.
Defensive Formation on Place Kicks
No restrictions.
It is illegal for 3 defensive players to line
up shoulder-to-shoulder and move
forward on place kicks with primary
contact against a single team K player; 5-
yard penalty, previous spot.
When the offense is in a scrimmage kick
formation, any defensive player within one
yard of the line of scrimmage must be
aligned completely outside the frame of
the body of the snapper at the snap.
Defensive Pass Interference
If there is contact while pass is in flight,
it is not a foul if contact is away from
direction of the pass.
Penalty is 15 yards under all-but-one
principle; no automatic first down.
Interference applies if an eligible receiver
voluntarily goes OOB and returns in bounds
(illegal participation).
Interference restrictions apply if a
forward pass is touched behind the line
by A, and goes beyond line.
Pass must be catchable.
Spot foul if less than 15 yards. Special
enforcement inside 17 yard line;
automatic first down. No PI if scrimmage
kick is simulated.
Interference does not apply against an
eligible receiver who goes OOB & returns
in bounds (possible illegal touching).
Interference restrictions do not apply if a
forward pass is touched behind the line by
A, and goes beyond line.
Eligible Receiver Contacted – Penalty Enforcement
No automatic first down.
Automatic first down if legal pass crosses line
and foul occurs beyond neutral zone.
Extending the Period
Period is not extended if the penalty is a safety.
The period is extended for the free kick.
Face Mask Fouls
Grasping face mask without pulling, turning or
twisting is a foul with a 5-yard penalty.
Grasping face mask without pulling, turning or
twisting is not foul.
Fair Catch
The ball is spotted where a fair catch is
made.
After a fair catch, there is an option to
free kick or snap.
The receiving team may fair catch a free
kick inside their 25-yard line and have
the ball put in play at their 25-yard line
After a fair catch, the ball must be snapped.
False Start
If the entire team does not become set
before the snap it is an illegal shift.
If the entire team does not become set
before the snap, a false start is called.
Field Goal From Outside the 20
Unsuccessful kick results in touchback if
ball crosses goal line.
Ball returned to previous spot if untouched by
B beyond the neutral zone.
Fighting
Disqualified from the game.
Disqualified. First half fight - for game. Second-
half fight - for second half and first half of next
game. Second fight --players/
substitutes/coaches for season.
Forward Pass - Definition
Initial direction must be forward.
Point of first touching must be forward.
Forward Pass - Spike to Conserve Time
If the snap is muffed, it cannot be spiked.
A muffed snap that does not touch the
ground can be spiked immediately after
the ball is controlled.
Free-Kick Line
K’s 40-yard line.
A’s 35-yard line.
Free-Kick Line Infractions
Encroachment, four players on either
side of kicker and no more than one
player more than five yards behind the
FK line – dead-ball foul.
All are live-ball fouls with a penalty option to
enforce from end of the run when kicking
team is offside.
Free-Kick Out-of-Bounds
Place ball 25 yards from previous spot or 5-yard
Place ball 30 yards from previous spot, 5-yard
penalty and re-kick or a five-yard penalty from
where the ball belongs to R.
penalty and re-kick, or a five-yard penalty from
where the ball belongs to B.
Free-Blocking Zone
The zone is 3 yards on each side of the ball and
4 yards wide on each side of the line. Only
players who are on the line and in the zone may
block below the waist. Only offensive players
who are on the line and in the zone may block
in the back. The zone exists only while ball is in
the zone.
Only offensive players on the line of
scrimmage within a rectangular area centered
on the middle lineman and extending 5 yards
laterally in each direction and 3 yards on both
sides of the neutral zone may legally clip above
the knee in the zone. A player on the line
within the zone may not leave the zone and
return to clip. Blocking in the back legal under
the same conditions. The zone exists until the
ball is in player possession outside the zone or
is muffed or fumbled outside the zone.
Fumble – Out of Bounds – Fourth Down
Spotted where it becomes dead. Clock
starts on snap.
No fourth down fumble rule.
Forward fumbles are returned to spot of
fumble – clock starts on ready.
Fourth down fumble rule.
Game Clock
The game clock starts on the snap when the ball
becomes dead out of bounds.
The game clock starts on the snap after a legal
kick only when a new series is awarded.
The game clock always starts on the snap after
a delay penalty is accepted.
When a penalty is accepted with less than two
minutes remaining in either half, the offended
team has the option to start the game clock on
the snap.
The game clock starts on the snap only during
the last two minutes of each half when the ball
becomes dead out of bounds except for
forward fumble.
The game clock starts on the snap after a legal
kick.
The game clock starts on the snap after a delay
penalty, regardless of whether it is accepted or
declined, if committed by a team in
scrimmage-kick formation.
Inside the last two minutes of a half, if the
game clock is stopped to administer the
penalty for a foul by the team ahead in the
score, the game clock will start on the snap, at
the option of the offended team.
Game Length
12-minute quarters.
15-minute quarters.
Goalpost Uprights
23 feet 4 inches apart.
18 feet 6 inches apart.
Hash Marks (Inbounds Lines)
Divide field in thirds.
60 feet from each sideline.
Helmet Comes Off During Play
The player whose helmet comes off must not
continue to participate beyond the immediate
action in which he is engaged. Prolonged
Same, except prolonged participation is
a personal foul. The penalty is 15 yards
plus an automatic first down for fouls by
participation is illegal participation.
No foul for simply removing the helmet while
on the field.
Team B.
Players cannot remove helmet unless in team
box except for time-outs, etc.
Horse Collar Tackle
All players are prohibited from grabbing the
inside back collar of the shoulder pads or jersey,
the name plate area on the back of the jersey or
the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads
or jersey of a runner, and subsequently
independently pulling the opponent down.
There is no requirement for the tackle to be
immediate nor are there exceptions for the
tackle box or a quarterback in the pocket.
All players are prohibited from grabbing the
inside back collar of the shoulder pads or
jersey, the nameplate area on the back of the
jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the
shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately
pulling the runner down. This does not apply
to a runner who is inside the tackle box or to a
quarterback who is in the pocket.
Illegal Kicks
For an illegal kick such as one from
beyond the neutral zone, the penalty is
10 yards from the spot of the foul and
the ball is treated as a fumble.
For such an illegal kick, the penalty is
five yards from the previous spot and
loss of down. The ball becomes dead
when kicked.
Injured Player
Any player who exhibits signs of a
concussion must be removed from the
game and may not return until cleared
by an appropriate health care
professional. It is no longer necessary for
an unconscious player to have a
physician’s note to continue to play.
A player sustaining an injury, including
showing signs of a concussion, must go
to the team area for medical attention
and remain out of the game until an
appropriate medical professional
designated by his institution approves
his return.
Intentional Grounding to Save Yardage
Loss of down and 5-yard penalty from spot of
pass (end of run).
Loss of down at the spot of pass, no yardage
assessed. Passer may avoid grounding when
outside the normal position of the tackle by
throwing the ball beyond neutral zone.
Kick-Catch Interference
Interference occurs if a free kick is touched in-
flight by K.
Interference on a free kick in-flight only
applies if an R player is positioned to make a
catch.
The receiving team has the same kick-catch
and fair-catch protection whether the ball is
kicked directly off the tee or is immediately
driven to the ground.
Kicking team players cannot enter the area
defined by the width of the receiver’s
shoulders and extending one yard in front of
the receiver before he touches the ball.
Kicker Contacted
A kicker is protected until he has had a
reasonable opportunity to regain his balance.
No foul if defender is blocked into
kicker/holder.
A kicker who runs outside the tackle box
is not protected as a kicker.
No foul only if defender is illegally blocked into
kicker/holder.
Kicking Tee
Kicking tee allowed for free kicks and
placekicks.
Tee may be two inches high.
Use of illegal tee is an unfair act.
Tee allowed only for free kicks.
Tee is limited to one inch high.
Use of illegal tee is an illegal kick; a five-yard
penalty from the previous spot.
Kick into Receiver's End Zone
Touchback when non-scoring breaks plane of
R's goal line or when scoring attempt is
unsuccessful.
Remains alive unless ball first touches the
ground in the end zone before it touches a
B player.
Leaping
Defensive players may leap from the ground to
block a kick as long as they don’t violate a
different rule such as hurdling or leverage.
It is illegal to leap into the plane directly above
the frame of the body of an opponent unless
the player was aligned in a stationary position
within one yard of the line of scrimmage when
the ball was snapped as long as he doesn’t
move forward before leaving his feet.
Neutral Zone Infractions
Offensive false start and encroachment –
dead-ball foul.
Defensive encroachment – dead-ball foul.
Defensive lineman quick/abrupt actions–
unsportsmanlike conduct.
Offensive false start and encroachment –
dead-ball foul.
Defensive offside – dead-ball or live-ball foul.
Defensive lineman quick/abrupt actions –
dead-ball delay foul.
Nine-Yard Marks
Team A players and substitutes must be
between the nine-yard marks after the
ready.
Only Team A substitutes must be between the
nine-yard marks after the ready. Players who
participated in the previous down need only
be between the nine-yard marks anytime after
the previous down ended and the next snap.
Numbering Exception
Applies only on fourth down or a try whenever
K is in a scrimmage-kick formation.
On 1
st
, 2d or 3d down, only the snapper can
have a number outside the 50-79 range.
Applies whenever K is in a scrimmage-kick
formation.
Offensive Formation
Only the snapper may lock legs with the
guards. All other linemen must have
both feet outside the outside foot of the
Any offensive lineman may lock legs with
another lineman.
adjacent player.
Officials Jurisdiction
30 minutes before scheduled kickoff or as
determined by the state association.
90 minutes before scheduled kickoff.
Onside Kick
Kicking the ball directly into the ground
so that it goes into the air in the manner
of a ball kicked directly off the tee (pop-
up kick) is illegal and is a dead-ball foul.
Players have the same kick-catch and fair-
catch protection whether the ball is kicked
directly off the tee or is immediately driven to
the ground (pop-up kick).
Overtime
Equal series from 10-yard line (State
Association option).
Equal series from 25-yard line.
No kick try after second series.
After the fourth series, teams alternate
attempting a two-point try.
Referred to as “Extra Periods.”
Participation
12 or more players on the field at the
snap result in a 15-yard penalty for
illegal participation.
12 or more players on the field at the snap are
a 5-yard penalty for illegal substitution.
Placekick Holder
Must rise to keep ball alive. May rise to
catch or recover a snap.
Need not rise to keep ball alive.
Play Clock
A 40/25-second play clock is used.
After a touchdown and following a
kickoff, the play clock will be set at 25
seconds.
A 40/25-second play clock is used.
After a touchdown and following a
kickoff, the play clock will be set at 40
seconds.
Player Voluntarily Out of Bounds
Player of A and K is guilty of illegal
participation if he returns to field.
All players are prohibited from
intentionally going out of bounds and
returning.
Foul for A on a kick, but an A receiver may
return unless first to touch forward pass.
Roughing the Passer
No contact after it is clear the ball has
been thrown.
Same plus all forcible contact against the
passer at the knee or below unless he is
making a wrap-up tackle without forcible
contact with the head or shoulder.
Scrimmage Kick Formation
Deep player must be 10 yards back.
Also for FG attempt, the holder may be 7
Same plus it must be obvious a kick will
be attempted.
yards back with a kicker in position.
Shift
Movement of one or more players.
Movement of two or more players.
Sideline Infractions
Teams whose players and coaches are in the
restricted area and do not contact an official
while the ball is live are penalized as follows:
(1) An official sideline warning.
(2) A five-yard penalty for the next
infraction.
(3) A 15-yard penalty for each additional
infraction.
Teams whose players and coaches get outside
their designated areas and do not contact an
official are penalized as follows:
(1) A warning for the first infraction;
(2) five-yard delay-of-game penalty from the
succeeding spot for the second and third
infractions;
(3) A team 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct
penalty from the succeeding spot with an
automatic first down for Team B fouls for the
fourth and any subsequent infractions.
Snap
It is encroachment if the defense
touches the ball or the snapper’s hands
or arms before the snap has ended.
If the ball is touched by a team B player during
a legal snap, the ball remains dead.
Substitution
Replaced player must depart within 3 seconds
of arrival of substitute.
Breaking the huddle with 12 or more players is
not a foul unless it violates the above.
Replaced A player must depart immediately (3
seconds), but A cannot break huddle with 12
players.
While in the process of substitution, Team A is
prohibited from rushing quickly to the line of
scrimmage and snapping.
10-second Runoff
No provision.
Please see penalty enforcement section.
Targeting
No automatic DQ.
Applies to all players
Automatic DQ, subject to review (player
may remain in team box).
Unless hit is with crown of helmet,
applies only to defenseless players.
Timeout
Coach may go to huddle.
All timeouts are 1 min.
Coach may not enter field.
Length varies based on TV.
Touchback
Ball is next snapped at 20 yard line.
Same except 25 yard line if during a free
kick.
Try
Ball dead when kick fails or when B secures
possession.
The ball remains live as on any field goal
attempt.
B cannot score.
Ball remains alive on fumble if Team A recovers.
Not attempted following touchdown on last
timed down if game decided and playoff
qualification is not a factor.
B may score two points.
Prior to change of possession, the try ends if
A1 fumbles and a teammate recovers. Not
attempted following touchdown on last timed
down if game decided.
The try is not attempted unless a score would
affect the outcome of the game; however, if
the scoring team is ahead by one or two
points, they have the option to forego the try.
Video Review
Allowed for playoffs only by state
association adoption.
Allowed – special review procedures (instant
replay). Also, conferences are to review games
for flagrant fouls.
Wedge Formation
It is legal to block from a wedge formation
during any down.
Uniforms/Equipment
Face Masks
An overbuilt face mask is legal.
An overbuilt face mask is illegal.
Gloves/Hand Pads
Any color except ball colored.
Must meet the NOCSAE and SFIA standards.
No restriction on the color of gloves. The
specifications in effect for gloves apply to hand
pads.
Helmets
Similar team color not required. No rule on taking
helmet off.
Team color and design must be same. Face masks
same color.
Illegal/Mandatory Equipment Penalty
For use of illegal equipment: a 15-yard penalty for
USC charged to head coach. For use of legal
equipment improperly worn: The player is sent to
the sideline for one play. He is not allowed to
return until the equipment is made legal. A
timeout may not be used to keep the player in the
game.
The player is sent to the sideline for one play. He is
not allowed to return until the equipment is made
legal. The team may keep the player in the game
without missing a down by taking a timeout to fix
the equipment.
Jersey
All must be long enough to reach the top of the
pants, and shall be tucked in if longer.
Jersey color violations are reported to state
association.
Visiting team must wear white jerseys.
Full length and tucked in.
Jersey color violations are a foul at the start of
each half, a 15-yard penalty and the loss of a
timeout at the start of each quarter.
Effective in 2021, home team jerseys must be a dark
color that clearly contrasts to white.
Visiting team must wear white jerseys unless prior
agreement
Jersey Numbers
“0” is an illegal number.
Effective in 2024, the entire body of the number
shall be a single solid color that clearly contrasts
with the body color of the jersey.
“0” is a legal number.
The entire body of the number shall be a
single solid color that clearly contrasts with
the body color of the jersey.
No more than two squad members may be
assigned the same jersey number for a
game.
The penalty is the same as for jersey color
violations.
Pants
Extra outside pad may be worn.
External pad not allowed. All players must have
same color/design.
Shoes
Required.
Not required. Disqualified if cleats are longer than
½ inch.
Socks
Not required.
All players must have same color and design.
Towels
Any player may have a towel that is any solid color
with no words, symbols, letters or numbers, and
must be no larger than 4"x12". All players must
have the same color if they wear a towel.
One (4"x12" min/18"x36" max) plain white towel
per player. Must be moisture absorbing and
cannot be sticky.
PENALTY ENFORCEMENT
NFHS:
The all-but-one principle applies. All fouls are penalized from the basic spot, except a foul by the
offense behind the spot. Loose-ball plays include the snap, kicks, legal passes or fumbles in or
behind the neutral zone and includes the run(s) which precede such legal or illegal kick, legal
forward pass, backward pass or fumble. The basic spot for loose-ball plays is the previous spot.
The basic spot for running plays is the end of the run.
Only roughing the passer, snapper, or kicker /holder include an automatic first down.
For roughing the passer, the dead-ball spot is the spot from which to enforce the 15-yard penalty. If
there is a change of team possession or the run ends behind the previous spot, the penalty is enforced
from the previous spot.
The following fouls have special enforcement provisions and options for the offended team: free
kick out-of-bounds; kick-catching interference); unfair acts; roughing the passer; fouls by the
kicking team on kick downs and fouls on scoring plays. Any foul on a scoring play can carry over to
the try or succeeding kickoff.
Where there are 15 yard penalties for dead-ball fouls or live-ball fouls treated as dead-ball fouls
committed by each team, and prior to the penalty administration; each 15-yard foul will cancel a 15-
yard foul on the other team. Any remaining 15-yard fouls will be enforced. Also, a five-yard penalty for a
dead-ball foul will be enforced separately and in the order of occurrence and would not cancel a five or
15-yard penalty.
Fouls on touchdown or successful field goal plays may be enforced on the try or succeeding kickoff
provided they occur after any change of possession.
NCAA:
The all-but-one principle applies during running plays beyond the line or when there is no
scrimmage line. The basic spot for fouls during a pass play (other than defensive pass interference
less than 15 yards beyond neutral zone) is the previous spot. EXCEPTION: Holding, personal fouls,
illegal facemask fouls and illegal use of hands behind the neutral zone are always enforced from
the previous spot. Other specific penalty spots exist for kicking fouls. All personal fouls include an
automatic first down. Numerous fouls carry a specific enforcement spot. Carry-over penalties are
only for personal fouls on a scoring play and personal fouls against snapper, holder, kicker and
passer on a successful try.
For roughing the passer, the end of the last run is the spot from which to enforce the 15-yard penalty. If
there is a change of team possession during the down or the run ends behind the previous spot, the
penalty is enforced from the previous spot.
On both free and scrimmage kicks, excepting field goal plays, fouls by the kicking team may be
enforced from where the play ends if B is in possession at the end of the play.
When unsportsmanlike or dead-ball personal fouls by both teams are reported to the referee and
before any of the penalties have been completed, the fouls cancel. Unsportsmanlike conduct is
penalized as a live-ball foul if it occurs by a player while the ball is live. If a player commits an
unsportsmanlike act before a touchdown is scored, the score is nullified and the offending team is
penalized from the spot of the foul. The penalties for unsportsmanlike acts committed by coaches or
other bench personnel are administered as dead-ball fouls regardless of the status of the ball when the
foul occurs. Penalties for unsportsmanlike fouls by team B include an automatic first down. Penalties for
dead-ball fouls (for example, unsportsmanlike behavior after the player crosses the goal line) are
assessed on the ensuing kickoff or the try.
Fouls on a successful field goal and live-ball personal fouls on touchdown plays may be enforced
on the try or succeeding spot as well as live-ball fouls enforced as dead-ball fouls and dead-ball
fouls.
A 10-second rundown of the game clock is part of the penalty option for fouls that stop the clock with
less than one minute in either half. The runoff does not apply if the game clock is not running when the
foul occurs. The fouls included are:
• Any foul that prevents the snap (e.g., false start, encroachment, defensive offside by contact in the
neutral zone, etc.).
• Intentional grounding to stop the clock.
• An illegal forward pass thrown from beyond the neutral zone.
• A backward pass thrown out of bounds to stop the clock.
• Any other foul committed with the intent of stopping the clock (referee’s discretion).
The offended team may accept the yardage penalty and decline the runoff. If the yardage penalty is
declined, the runoff is declined by rule. Following enforcement of the penalty and runoff (if any) the
game clock starts on the referee’s signal. However, if the fouling team has a charged team timeout
remaining it may avoid the runoff by using a timeout. In that case the game clock starts on the snap
following the timeout which either team may use to confer.
A 10-second runoff is also an option when instant replay overturns the ruling on the field inside of one
minute in either half and the correct ruling would not have stopped the game clock.