High school football coaches adjusting to new rules
Aug. 1—HENDERSON — Earlier this year, the National Federation of State High School Associations updated and implemented rule changes for high school football, focusing on player safety and sportsmanship.
The amendments on the gridiron include the ability for the quarterback to legally throw the ball away, and a new definition of a chop block.
Previously, the quarterback was unable to save yardage by throwing the ball away and was forced to continue the play, risking a negative play, injury or penalty.
On the offensive line, the chop block is now defined as "an illegal combination block where contact is made above and below the waist," a change from a combination hit above the waist and below the knees.
With summer camp in full swing and the season under three weeks away, coaches around the area are aware of the rule changes, understanding some might impact their team more than others.
"The chop block I teach is one-on-one," said Vance County head coach Aaron Elliott. "When they initially put the rule in, being an offensive line guy, I never taught a two-man [chop block]."
For other coaches, eliminating a cloudy interpretation of the rule helps them understand how the game is being officiated.
"Being able to define a chop block is a great thing," said Warren County head coach V.J. Hunt. "I know we've had games where we've had guys get high/low and it may not be as defined, so I think having that in place now is definitely going to help."
As officials will now focus on enforcing the restructured definition, communication among the players is key.
"Communicate, communicate, communicate up front," said Elliott. "If the guys are communicating, then they know what each person is doing and it makes it easier to eliminate the penalties."
Coaches and players alike will be impacted by the evolving guidelines, forcing them to adapt and change their style of play.
"All of these things are just adjustments we have to make," said Hunt. "These changes don't affect the game in a negative way so I'm always ok with it."
Hunt believes providing the quarterback with the ability to throw the ball away puts the defense at a disadvantage, but that it focuses on player safety, a focal point in today's game.
Elliott echoes the player safety aspect and feels it's up to the coaches to ensure their players are prepared.
"You want your guys to be aggressive, play until the whistle blows, and play hard every down, but you coach them to be smart about it," he said.
While these more serious rule changes at the national level are focused on player safety, the NFHS has also made an amendment in the uniform department. Players are now able to wear the number "0," a change that Hunt is in favor of.
"I love being able to add No. 0 to your jerseys," he said. "I think it does add a little swagger, a little drip. I know the wave of being No. 0 now is kind of cool, so for our kids now being able to wear that number is a pretty cool thing."
The renovated rule changes will be enforced and on display on Aug. 19 when Vance County travels to Warren County to open up the season against the Eagles.
To learn more, head to NFHS.org for a full list of the rule changes for the 2022 season.
Kellen Holtzman contributed to this report.
