NFHS Football Rules Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• How does a referee handle a timeout called after a dead ball foul?
• Is the goal line considered part of the field or the end zone?
• Where can the holder place the ball during a kick?
• Which of the following events does NOT delay the end of a period?
• What happens during an illegal kick play?
• Which position is responsible for coordinating plays from the sideline?
• What is the consequence of a player being in a defenseless position?
• What is the consequence of a double foul that occurs as time expires?
• How often are continuous yard line markings used on the field?
• What characterizes a live ball foul?
• By what means can games be shortened?
• What condition must be met for a player to remain a snapper during a play?
• How many ounces must a legal football weigh at minimum?
• What is meant by ‘first touching’ during a kick?
• How many players are required to execute a legal huddle?
• Do the pants worn by players have to cover the knees?
• Where is the team box located on the sidelines?
• How many fasteners must a legal helmet have for the chin strap?
• If a loose ball touches an official who is out of bounds, is it inbounds or out of bounds?
• Can the defense shift according to the rules?
• What are the legal jersey number ranges for football players?
• Which of the following is true about a flagrant foul?
• How many players must be present to form a huddle before a down?
• At the end of a period, what does the referee indicate with a raised ball?
• What is the primary objective of the game in football?
• How many captains are allowed to represent a team during the coin toss?
• What are the five ways initial force can be applied to a football?
• What is the maximum number of rounds of tape that can be used when securing an injury without approval?
• When does the snap officially end?
• What is the action that precedes a catch?
• What must an offensive player do after the huddle before the snap?
• Does the clock start on first touching by K (the kicking team)?
• Which of the following is considered a legal forward pass?
• What is defined as a chop block?
• What color can the mouth protector not be?
• Where is the line of scrimmage for each team located?
• Can knee braces be worn over the pants?
• What is the length of the chain used for the line-to-gain equipment?
• What are the dimensions of the Free Blocking Zone?
• When are penalty decisions made in relation to timeouts?
• What can end a kick during gameplay?
• Which of the following does NOT result in an untimed down?
• What happens if a player fumbles the ball behind the line of scrimmage?
• How many game balls must a team provide to the referee at the start of the contest?
• When can state associations intercede on game officials' authority?
• Which of the following is a rule regarding player possession of the ball during a catch?
• What is indicated when the ball is thrown parallel during a forward pass?
• Does play stop if a mechanical horn sounds during a live ball?
• In the context of football, which term best describes an attempt to jump over an opponent?
• What is the approved weight range of a football?
• Which players are considered "in the free blocking zone" at the snap?
• What signal begins the 25-second count by the referee?
• When is a substitute considered an actual player in the game?
• Which pad is not required to be worn by players?
• Where is the penalty measured from if it occurs after a dead ball foul at the end of a period?
• Which body parts are allowed to legally kick the ball in football?
• What is the penalty for a player not inside the 5-yard free kick restriction area after the ready for play?
• Who is responsible for approving footballs for play in a game?
• What happens during a dead ball foul?
• What is a dead ball foul?
• What color can a towel be during a game?
• What is required for a valid foul call?
• How many players must be on Team A's line at the snap for a legal scrimmage formation?
• What is the width of the crossbar and the width of the goal posts?
• Where does a run end according to NFHS rules?
• What indicates the need for a multiple foul ruling?
• What constitutes a “carry” as a way to apply initial force?
• Where does first touching by Team K take place on a scrimmage kick?
• What characterizes a block in the back?
• What is face tackling?
• What are boundary lines considered in terms of in or out of bounds?
• Can a player simulate having possession of a live ball?
• What is the approved PSI range of a football?
• During a scrimmage down, how far can the neutral zone expand?
• What event turns a dead ball into a live ball?
• Can a passer throw an illegal forward pass?
• Can a back pad be uncovered from a jersey during a game?
• What constitutes a double foul in football?
• What happens to a team that does not have enough players to start a game?
• Where can a holder legally place the ball for a kick besides a legal tee?
• What must a player do to ensure a legal fair catch signal?
• What happens if a forward pass is incomplete?
• What is defined as clipping in football?
• What is the height of the padded resilient shock absorbing material on the goal post?
• How is participation defined in the context of football?
• What happens if decorative markings violate the boundary rule in the end zone?
• Can officials use instant replay or monitoring equipment during a game?
• In a scrimmage kick formation, where is at least one back required to be located in relation to the line of scrimmage?
• Which colors are allowed for wind direction streamers on the goal posts?
• What occurs if a team fails to put the ball in play within the given time?
• What happens if a runner touches the linesman and stays inbounds?
• Which of the following events will cause the clock to start with the next snap?
• What is the status of a ball that has touched an object out of bounds and rebounded back into the field?
• When do officials take authority over the game?
• What is a valid fair-catch signal?
• What is the length of hash marks on the football field?
• How many points are awarded for a field goal in football?
• What is the minimum width for line markings, hash marks, sidelines, and restraining lines?
• Where are the penalty enforcement spots for post-scrimmage kick fouls by the receiving team?
• What is the unsuccessful handing of a football to your teammate called?
• What color jersey is the visiting team required to wear?
• What must a referee ensure before signaling the end of a period?
• Which players are considered to initiate contact in targeting?
• A forward pass is considered beyond the neutral zone when?
• How long does the free blocking zone exist?
• Which of the following can extend a period if it occurs as time expires?
• Are teams required to change goals during the game?
• What does NOT constitute a way to apply new force after a grounding?
• When can a referee correct obvious timing errors during the game?
• When is a pass considered backwards in football?
• If a kick enters R's end zone, can force be considered a factor?
• Is there a fumble if Player A passes the ball?
• Which player can be tripped legally during a game?
• When does a kick officially end in football?
• Which of the following is not a prohibited color for wind direction streamers on the goal posts?
• What qualifies as a loose ball play for penalty enforcement?
• Where is the only designated spot for first touching by Team K on a free kick?
• Can a receiver call for a legal fair catch behind the neutral zone on a free kick or scrimmage kick?
• Can a kicker place a mat on the field to assist with footing?
• When is a throw to a player considered a legal pass?
• Can a team protest NFHS rules during a game?
• Which block is considered illegal if initiated on a player in motion?
• How is a defensive player penalized for illegal tackling?
• Which of the following is true about the ball during a scrimmage kick?
• What constitutes a catch in football?
• What action is considered targeting in football?
• What is the term for the spot where the ball was last snapped or free kicked?
• What are the situations in which a free kick may be used?
• When is clipping allowed in the Free Blocking Zone?
• When does the game clock start on a free-kick?
• What is an essential qualification for a player to switch from a defender to an offensive player during play?
• Can a block be initiated above the shoulders in football?
• What defines the term "player" in the context of encroachment rules?
• When is a Fair Catch signal considered illegal?
• What must a player do to be considered a legal runner?
• What happens during a timeout granted by the officials?
• Can a player request a timeout during live play?
• What are the two types of kicks that can be used for a Kickoff?
• What is required for the ball to be considered out of bounds?
• When does a down officially start in football?
• What is the maximum number of coaches allowed within the restraining line during a dead ball?
• When is the neutral zone established during a game?
• What color must a football be to be considered legal?
• What condition makes a kicker no longer considered a kicker?
• What defines a defenseless player in football?
• What is the impact of a legal or illegal forward pass that is incomplete on the clock?
• What action is NOT associated with designated time management by the referee?
• Is fighting in football only defined by the actual striking of another player?
• What does simultaneous catch or recovery involve?
• When does a forward pass officially end?
• What signaling indicates that the game clock is ready to start?
• What happens when a kick has been caught in terms of the fair catch signal?
• How far in front of the foremost point of the ball is the line to gain?
• What defines the forward progress of an airborne receiver?
• What is the minimum and maximum time allocated for halftime?
• Where might the team box be located if both teams are using the same sideline?
• What color options are available for the pylon?
• How should players be positioned on the field during a legal play?
• What must a place kick be controlled on?
• Is a live ball considered to be in team possession?
• Is a live ball always in the team's possession?
• What is the outer limit in each end zone called?
• What constitutes spearing in football?
• During which type of play is a loose ball action permitted?
• What color are gloves limited to during gameplay?
• Can the ball be passed backward after the "ready for play" signal?
• Which players are permitted to communicate with game officials during the contest?
• When does a passer no longer hold the title of 'passer'?
• Under what circumstances is a kicker NOT considered a kicker?
• What must all legal helmets have labeled on them?
• Can a foul cause a live ball to become dead?
• What are the dimensions of a pylon used in football?
• What must happen for a foul to be classified under Play Situation Kick (PSK)?
• What is a kick called that can be used after a free kick or for a scrimmage kick (not drop kick)?
• What indicates a substitution is occurring during a game?
• A player in possession of a live ball is referred to as what?
• What happens after a kick touches the ground according to fair catch rules?
• How many captains from Team A may attend the coin toss?
• When properly placed, where are pylons located in relation to the goal line?
• What action is NOT part of the criteria for loose ball plays?
• Who can a chop block be directed at?
• What does butt blocking refer to?
• When does the game clock start if a snap is being used?
• How is a lineman positioned at the time of the snap?
• What happens if a player touches the boundary lines?
• Why is understanding the concept of a 'live ball' critical in football?
• What indicates that a forward pass has occurred?
• For backward handing, must all of the ball be behind the runner?
• What are the criteria that must be met for a foul to be considered a Play Situation Kick (PSK)?
• What is considered a player foul?
• Who is responsible for designating the position of the ball on a kickoff?
• What defines a dead ball in football rules?
• Where should sideline markers be placed?
• When is a foul considered a non-player foul?
• What does it mean to muff a loose ball?
• When does a down end during a football game?
• When does a player become a kicker?
• What must a player do to protect themselves during the play?
• How is participation defined in football rules?
• What is the minimum number of players needed to have a legal snap?
• Which player position must meet specific requirements to be eligible on the line of scrimmage?
• Which option represents the correct combination of colors for goal post paint?
• Which of the following actions is an example of participation?
• Who has the authority to declare a forfeit in a football game?
• How wide is the centered line used for the try?
• What is a flagrant foul?
• How far from the sideline do the "9-yard" marks begin?
• What are the dimensions of a standard football playing field?
• What type of kick is illegal if it does not comply with the description of a legal kick?
• Who is responsible for verifying player equipment with the referee at the start of the game?
• Can a back break the plane of the waist of a lineman?
• Can a captain who was ejected in the first quarter participate in the overtime coin toss?
• Can a football game be ended due to a point differential?
• What is required for a forward pass to be considered legal?
• Can a player accidentally touch another player or game official and still be considered in bounds?
• What is the action called when a defensive player uses body parts to stop a runner from advancing?
• When does a backward pass end?
• Can a foul lead to a loss of possession of the ball?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the types of scrimmage kicks?
• When is a block not considered legal?
• What does "A's goal line" refer to in a football game?
• What happens if a team attempts to consume time illegally?
• What is a multiple foul?
• What term is used for intentionally striking the ball with the arm or hand?
• How many timeouts does each team have per half?
• What is the consequence if a kick has entered R's end zone?
• When is it determined that the ball has crossed the neutral zone?
• What is the maximum height allowed for a legal kicking tee?
• What are the two authorized types of team conferences?
• Whose decisions are considered final in all matters related to the game?
• When does a backward pass end?
• What action makes a drop kick legal?
• Which players can be positioned beyond the free kick line?
• What is the depth of each end zone in yards?
• In which direction can force be applied in connection with the goal line?
• What are the two main techniques for blocking with the hands?
• What is the maximum distance a neutral zone can extend behind the defensive line of scrimmage?
• How many laces are typically found on a legal football?
• What is the duration of a charged time-out in football?
• What does the term "simultaneous with the snap" refer to?
• For encroachment purposes, when is a substitute considered to be a player?
• What must occur for forward handing to be considered valid?
• What options does the team captain have after winning the toss at the start of the game?
• How many points does a team earn for a touchdown in football?
• What term describes the obstruction of an opponent by contacting him with any part of a blocker’s body?
• Which player's body can break the imaginary line through the waist of the nearest lineman?
• What is the minimum height of the goal posts?
• Where should the official line-to-gain equipment be positioned during play?
• What happens if a runner loses possession during a run?
• Does an inadvertent whistle stop the game clock?
• If a loose ball bounces in the field of play and touches the head coach who is out of bounds, what is the status of the ball?
• What triggers a legal snap in football?
• Under what conditions is blocking below the waist permitted?
• Is the ball considered inbounds if it touches anything out of bounds?
• What is the duration of the time gap between quarters?
• What should a player do if they want to pass backwards?
• Where must a defensive player be at the snap?
• Which description defines a defenseless player?
• How can a ball become loose during a play?
• How is it determined if a pass is backward?
• What happens if a player has a reasonable opportunity to regain balance after a kick?
• What is the distance between the two lines for the free kick line (neutral zone)?
• What part of a lineman must break the waist of the snapper?
• What is illegal helmet contact?
• What defines a non-player or unsportsmanlike foul?
• If an official is unsure whether the initial contact of a block is in the back, what should the ruling be?
• What color can the goal posts be painted?
• What is a key reason for identifying when a foul occurs in relation to the kick?
• When does a forward pass end?
• Which situation results in a legal fair catch signal?
• Where must an offensive player be to be on his line of scrimmage?
• Which of the following is NOT a method of intercepting the ball?
• To be considered a forward pass, what must be the initial direction of the ball?
• When is a fair catch signal considered invalid?
• What does the term 'snap' refer to in football rules?
• Which action will invalid a fair catch signal?
• Why is a player described as defenseless important in football rules?
• What does the term "hands down" refer to in relation to possession of a ball?
• Can the neutral zone extend into the end zone during a scrimmage down?
• What piece of equipment is typically associated with blocking rules in football?
• Is tossing the ball from the quarterback to the running back considered handing?
• What is the official term for the area where a player's possession of the ball leads to the end of a play?
• What is the purpose of the "9-yard" markings?
• What defines a player as a 'runner' in football?
• How many players can be legally on the field during a play at one time?
• If an official is unsure of the initial contact of a block in the back or clipping, what should the ruling be?
• Which kick type may be used for scrimmage kicks or kickoffs?
• How long does a team have to put the ball in play after being ready?
• Which of the following is NOT classified as a foul but produces similar results to penalties?
• Who qualifies as a non-player during the game?
• What is the result of intentionally simulating possession of a live ball?
• Which of the following describes the location of backs in a scrimmage kick formation according to the rules?
• Where can a scrimmage kick take place?
• What constitutes attempting to hurdle an opponent?
• What is the total running time of the four periods in a game?
• Who is in charge of inspecting equipment before and during the game for approval?
• What occurs at the spot of catch or recovery when the momentum rule is in effect?
• When does the clock restart following an official's timeout if no team was awarded a first down?
• What describes the speed of the snap to be considered legal?
• What is the distance from the base of the upright to the top vertical crossbar?
• Can unused timeouts from the first half carry over to the second half?
• If a ball is hiked and subsequently fumbled, who is responsible for the next play?
• After a fumble, kick, or backward pass has been grounded, how can a new force be applied?
• When is a Kickoff used?
• What happens if a runner touches an official who is out of bounds and remains inbounds?
• If a play does not include a loose ball action, what type of play is it classified as?
• What constitutes an Illegal Kick?
• What type of kick can legally be performed during a Kickoff?
• Where does a referee typically confer with a coach?
• Under what conditions does the clock stop when a team is awarded a new series?
• What is the goalpost padding material designed to provide?
• Can coaches use communication devices to communicate with players on the sideline?
• What is the maximum way eye shade can be applied according to the rules?
• If a player's hand touches the sideline while they are in possession of the ball, are they considered out of bounds?
• How can a player obtain possession of a live ball?
• If a head coach designates someone as the "timeout coach," can this designation change during the game?
• Can decorative markings be placed in the end-zone?
• What occurs when a kick touches a receiver?
• Is it permissible for an offense to use a drum for communication?
• Is muffing or batting of a pass, kick, or fumble considered a new force?
• How many players may be on the field at one time for a football game?
• What is NOT a condition for a foul to happen before the end of a kick?
• How many players are required on each team to start a game?
• What are the "9-yard" marks on a football field?
• Who approves the clock operators during a game?
• When should a referee notify the captains and coaches of the remaining time if there is no game clock available?
• What does blocking below the waist entail?
• What is the distance from the goal line to the centered line used for the try?
• Which line separates the field of play from the end zone?
• What are the conditions under which blocking in the back is permitted in the Free Blocking Zone?
• In football, what constitutes the neutral zone for a scrimmage down?