How many game balls must a team provide to the referee at the start of the contest?

In accordance with NFHS football rules, each team is required to provide a minimum of one game ball to the referee at the start of the contest. The game ball is essential as it is used to start and continue the game, ensuring that play can proceed without interruption.

This requirement is in place to maintain the flow of the game and to ensure that officials have a minimum standard of equipment to work with. The single ball provided is typically one that meets the specifications set forth by the NFHS for regulation play, ensuring that it is suitable for competitive conditions.

Providing more than one ball is often helpful for additional use and may expedite the process in case a ball becomes unplayable, but the minimum is set at one. Thus, this option aligns correctly with the official rules.