How many ounces must a legal football weigh at minimum?

A legal football must weigh a minimum of 14 ounces. This specification is defined in the NFHS Football Rules and ensures consistency and fairness in the game. The regulation weight helps to standardize the footballs used in play, allowing players to adapt to a specific size and weight, which is crucial for skill development and gameplay. The weight is significant for aspects like throwing accuracy, catching, and overall handling, which can be influenced by how heavy the ball is during play. Understanding this requirement is essential for coaches, players, and officials to ensure compliance with the rules and to maintain the integrity of the game.