Who is responsible for approving footballs for play in a game?

The referee is solely responsible for approving footballs for play in a game according to the NFHS Football Rules. This responsibility falls on the referee to ensure that the balls meet the necessary specifications and regulations before they can be used during the game. The referee conducts an inspection and determines if the balls are suitable for play, which is vital for maintaining the integrity and fairness of the game.

While other individuals, such as team captains or head coaches, may have roles related to team management and strategy, they do not have the authority to approve the footballs. The involvement of all officials in the process typically occurs during the game to ensure compliance and rule enforcement, but the final responsibility for the approval of the balls rests exclusively with the referee. Thus, recognizing the unique role of the referee is important for understanding how game integrity is maintained.