By what means can games be shortened?

Games can be shortened by mutual agreement of opposing coaches and the referee because this approach ensures that all parties involved reach a consensus about the game duration. This mutual agreement allows for flexibility in cases where circumstances make it necessary to conclude the game earlier, such as during extreme weather conditions, scheduling conflicts, or other legitimate reasons where both coaches feel that it's in the best interest of the teams involved. This collaborative decision is vital for maintaining fairness and smoothing out any potential disputes that might arise from a unilateral decision by any one party.

In contrast, shortening a game solely by the referee's discretion could lead to dissatisfaction among coaches and players if there isn't an understanding or consensus. Similarly, while weather conditions can certainly influence the decision, relying on them alone without the inclusion of mutual agreement might create uncertainty or inconsistency in how games are managed. The concept of a score limit is not typically a standard method for shortening a game within NFHS guidelines, so that option does not apply in this context.