Coaches Section
2022 Coach Certification
New Rule for 2022
Rule 7-5-2 EXCEPTION 2 now permits a player to purposefully throw an incomplete forward pass without warranting an intentional grounding penalty provided the passer is outside of “the pocket” (lateral boundary of the free-blocking zone) and the pass reaches the neutral zone or the extension of the neutral zone beyond the sideline.
Rule Reminder
NFHS Football Rule 9-8-1 states that it is unsportsmanlike conduct and thereby clearly illegal for any non-player (coach) to “attempt to influence a decision by a game official” such as screaming for holding by a defensive coach over and over, or consistently asking for a pass interference call by an offensive coach.
The rule further defines that it is unsportsmanlike conduct to “indicate an objection to a game official’s decision.” While it is likely not appropriate to be calling such a foul unless it is an extreme case, game officials and coaches need to keep in mind that young student-athletes are watching their every move. If a coach disagrees with a decision, he or she should be requesting a “conference time-out” and respectfully presenting his or her case. Note that this procedure calls for both coach and game officials to discuss any disagreement specifically “in front of the team bench” (as a learning opportunity for players to see how adults respectfully speak with other adults) as opposed to some secret screaming session in the middle of the field. If they are not sure enough about their position to risk a time-out, then they need to abide by NFHS Football Rule 9-8-1.
Certification Steps
Step #1
Complete the 2022 Online Application
Step#2
Complete the 2022 Concussion Certification
Step #3
Complete the League Program Rules Certification
(Only complete the Certification for the division in which you are coaching)
Youth Junior Certification (5th & 6th Grade)
Youth Senior Certification (7th & 8th Grade)
Step #4
Complete the League's Fundamentals of Football Certification
(If your payer has both an Injury and a Concussion you need to fill out both reports)
Player Concussion Reporting
2022 Concussion Reporting Form
Player Injury Reporting
2022 Player Injury Reporting Form
Player Concussion Reporting
2022 Concussion Reporting Form
Player Injury Reporting
2022 Player Injury Reporting Form