What must occur for forward handing to be considered valid?

For a forward handoff to be considered valid in football, the entire ball must be beyond the runner. This means that once the ball is handed off, it should completely cross the line of the runner who is in possession of it. The rule ensures that the play maintains its integrity and that the team executing the forward handoff is making a legitimate attempt to advance the ball forward.

When the entirety of the ball is beyond the runner, it confirms that the ball is in a position to be played forward as per the regulations set forth by NFHS. This rule prevents any ambiguity regarding the position of the ball at the time of the handoff, clearly delineating that the ball has indeed transitioned into a forward play.