National Federation of State High School Associations | Football Rules Examination
NFHS Football Rules Examination Part 1
2026/2027 | Verified Questions
National Federation of State High School Associations | Football Rules Examination | Professional Football
Officials Candidates
100 Verified Questions | 7 Core Domains | Academic Year 2026/2027
Prepared by
National Federation of State High School Associations | Football Rules Examination
Advanced Pathophysiology Final Examination Actual Exam | Academic Year 2026/2027
NFHS Football Rules Examination Part 1 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,INTRODUCTION
This document contains 100 original certification-level questions covering the full NFHS Football Rules
Examination Part 1. It addresses Game, Field, Equipment & Definitions; Timing, Periods & Clock
Administration; Fouls, Penalties & Enforcement Spots; Snapping, Kicking & Passing; and Blocking, Tackling &
Player Conduct. The content reinforces Part 1 Examination objectives for actual exam readiness and football
rules proficiency, aligned to the 2026/2027 academic year.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Game, Field, Equipment & Definitions
Question 1. On a kickoff, the kicked ball travels inbounds toward the sideline and goes out of
bounds at Team B's 10-yard line without being touched by any player. Ruling?
A. Ball awarded to Team B at the spot where it went out of bounds (B-10).
B. Ball awarded to Team B at their 40-yard line due to unsporting conduct by the kicker.
C. Re-kick from the same spot because the kickoff stepped out on the fly.
D. Ball awarded to Team A at the spot where the ball crossed the sideline.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A kickoff that goes out of bounds between the goal lines untouched is awarded to the receiving team
at the spot where it went out of bounds. There is no re-kick; enforcement is placement at that spot (Team B's
10) with possession.
Question 2. With 1:10 left in the game, Team A throws an incomplete forward pass. The line-to-
gain crew signals first down erroneously, and officials stop the clock for measurement
procedure but then rule incomplete. How should the clock be administered?
A. Start the clock on the snap for the next play
B. Start the clock on the referee's ready-for-play signal
C. Restart the clock at the point it stopped and run time continuously
D. Leave the clock stopped until the snap due to the unofficial measurement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If the officials stop the clock for an official measurement or to confer and then rule the previous
play incomplete, the clock is started on the ready-for-play signal, not on the snap. NFHS timing: when the
clock was stopped by officials’ administrative action, the referee starts the clock on the ready-for-play unless
rules specify otherwise.
Question 3. A kickoff occurs and a player on the receiving team is wearing eyeglasses without
any lens covering (plain eyeglasses). Another player has an unbraced knee sleeve with a hard
plastic knee pad that protrudes. Which equipment items violate NFHS equipment rules?
A. Plain eyeglasses are illegal; nonbraced knee sleeve with hard protrusion is legal
B. Neither item is illegal; NFHS allows nonprotective eyeglasses and hard knee sleeves
C. Plain eyeglasses are legal if secured; knee sleeve with hard protrusion is illegal unless padded or approved
D. Both items are illegal; eyeglasses and hard protruding knee protection must be approved and safe
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Eyewear without an approved protective covering may be permitted if not deemed dangerous and
secured, but hard unpadded knee braces or protruding hard substances are illegal unless properly padded or
NFHS Football Rules Examination Part 1 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,approved. Officials inspect equipment pregame and may require removal or covering of illegal items for
player safety; enforcement is player disqualification until corrected.
Question 4. On a running play, offensive tackle No. 78 engages a defensive lineman low with his
hands while another offensive player blocks the same defender high, causing the defender to be
contacted simultaneously above and below the waist. How should officials rule?
A. Legal — multiple defenders may be contacted high and low on the same play.
B. Foul — chop block; 15-yard penalty and disqualification of the blocker.
C. Foul only if the low block comes from the back; otherwise legal.
D. Foul — illegal combination block (chop); 15-yard penalty enforced from the previous spot.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Simultaneous high and low blocks on the same defender constitute a chop block under NFHS, which
is a 15-yard personal foul. Enforcement is usually from the previous spot (or spot of the foul if specified by
rule). Officials should rule a chop/block-low-high illegal combination and assess the personal foul penalty.
Question 5. Two-Minute Timing: Second half, Team A gains a first down with 1:58 on the clock.
The ball is spotted and the referee pauses to determine whether the clock should start on the
ready-for-play or the snap. Under two-minute timing rules, when should the clock next start?
A. The clock starts on the snap because during the last two minutes of each half the clock starts on the snap
following a live-ball play that results in a first down for the offense.
B. The clock starts on the ready-for-play signal because the play resulted in a change of team possession.
C. The clock starts on the ready-for-play because first downs always start the clock on the ready after the
two-minute warning.
D. The clock remains stopped until the ball is snapped and the referee signals to start the clock only after the
snap.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Under NFHS two-minute timing, when the offense obtains a first down within the last two minutes
of a half the clock starts on the snap for the next play. This prevents teams from benefiting by delaying the
ready-for-play signal.
Question 6. Late in the fourth quarter, Team A is trailing by four points. After a running play,
A22 and A33 argue on the field and shove each other, escalating to throwing a punch. Both are
ejected by the referee. Prior to the ejections the ball was declared dead at the spot of the runner
where forward progress was marked. What is the correct ruling regarding enforcement and
game administration?
A. Both players are disqualified; no additional foul enforcement; game resumes with the next down at the
dead-ball spot.
B. Both players are disqualified for fighting; officials assess disqualification (player ejection) but no yardage
is enforced for disqualification itself; any additional unsportsmanlike fouls (if occurred) are enforced from
the dead-ball spot.
C. Both players are disqualified for fighting; each receives a disqualification foul with 15-yard penalty
enforced from the succeeding spot; team loses possession if penalty exceeds spot.
D. Both players are disqualified for fighting; each is assessed a personal foul 15 yards, enforced from the
dead-ball spot, and the offended team may choose enforcement options.
Correct Answer: B
NFHS Football Rules Examination Part 1 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, Rationale: NFHS rules: Fighting results in disqualification (ejection). Disqualification is an administrative
action — no automatic 15-yard enforcement is attached to the act of disqualification alone. If a separate
personal-foul act (e.g., punching) that carries a yardage penalty is identified, that foul would be enforced.
Enforcement of post-play unsportsmanlike or personal fouls is from the dead-ball spot/succeeding spot as
appropriate. Officials must report disqualifications and resume play from the previously established dead-
ball/succeeding spot.
Question 7. During a pile-up after a fumble, an offensive lineman grabs a defender’s face mask
and twists while trying to separate him from the ball. How should officials rule?
A. Legal if the face mask grabbed is the chin strap area and not the grille.
B. Legal — only a 5-yard penalty if the face mask is incidental contact.
C. Illegal — face mask foul: 15-yard personal foul enforced from the spot of the foul.
D. Illegal only if the player is injured as a result.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Grabbing and twisting the face mask is a personal foul in NFHS — 15 yards. Enforcement is from
the spot of the foul or previous spot depending on dead/ongoing status. Officials must always call face mask
fouls when unauthorized contact with the mask occurs regardless of injury.
Question 8. 8) Dead-ball foul: After the whistle ends a play at Team B's 10-yard line, a Team A
player shoves an opponent (dead-ball unsportsmanlike conduct). Where is this dead-ball foul
enforced?
A. From the basic spot (end of the run) at the 10-yard line.
B. From the spot of the foul where the shove occurred on the field.
C. From the previous spot (line of scrimmage).
D. From the succeeding spot following enforcement of any live-ball penalty (i.e., enforced from the end of
the play).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dead-ball fouls are enforced from the succeeding spot — the spot where the ball is placed after
enforcement of any live-ball fouls (commonly the end of the play). Therefore unsportsmanlike conduct after
the play is enforced from the succeeding spot (end of the play) per NFHS enforcement mechanics.
Question 9. Coach Conduct: A coach on the sideline aggressively confronts an official after a
disputed call, uses profane language, and refuses to leave when warned. What is the correct
ruling?
A. Unsportsmanlike conduct—coach disqualified; 15-yard penalty assessed on team from succeeding spot.
B. Official issues a warning; no further action.
C. Coach is ejected and team assessed a 5-yard delay of game penalty.
D. Official must call a bench warning but cannot disqualify coach.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Abusive, profane confrontation of an official by a coach is unsportsmanlike conduct. NFHS requires
disqualification of that coach and assessment of a 15-yard penalty enforced on the team from the succeeding
spot; officials follow ejection mechanics and game-reporting procedures.
Question 10. An injured player requires attention on the field. The official stops play and signals
for an official timeout. What is the correct administration regarding the game clock?
NFHS Football Rules Examination Part 1 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
NFHS Football Rules Examination Part 1
2026/2027 | Verified Questions
National Federation of State High School Associations | Football Rules Examination | Professional Football
Officials Candidates
100 Verified Questions | 7 Core Domains | Academic Year 2026/2027
Prepared by
National Federation of State High School Associations | Football Rules Examination
Advanced Pathophysiology Final Examination Actual Exam | Academic Year 2026/2027
NFHS Football Rules Examination Part 1 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,INTRODUCTION
This document contains 100 original certification-level questions covering the full NFHS Football Rules
Examination Part 1. It addresses Game, Field, Equipment & Definitions; Timing, Periods & Clock
Administration; Fouls, Penalties & Enforcement Spots; Snapping, Kicking & Passing; and Blocking, Tackling &
Player Conduct. The content reinforces Part 1 Examination objectives for actual exam readiness and football
rules proficiency, aligned to the 2026/2027 academic year.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Game, Field, Equipment & Definitions
Question 1. On a kickoff, the kicked ball travels inbounds toward the sideline and goes out of
bounds at Team B's 10-yard line without being touched by any player. Ruling?
A. Ball awarded to Team B at the spot where it went out of bounds (B-10).
B. Ball awarded to Team B at their 40-yard line due to unsporting conduct by the kicker.
C. Re-kick from the same spot because the kickoff stepped out on the fly.
D. Ball awarded to Team A at the spot where the ball crossed the sideline.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A kickoff that goes out of bounds between the goal lines untouched is awarded to the receiving team
at the spot where it went out of bounds. There is no re-kick; enforcement is placement at that spot (Team B's
10) with possession.
Question 2. With 1:10 left in the game, Team A throws an incomplete forward pass. The line-to-
gain crew signals first down erroneously, and officials stop the clock for measurement
procedure but then rule incomplete. How should the clock be administered?
A. Start the clock on the snap for the next play
B. Start the clock on the referee's ready-for-play signal
C. Restart the clock at the point it stopped and run time continuously
D. Leave the clock stopped until the snap due to the unofficial measurement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If the officials stop the clock for an official measurement or to confer and then rule the previous
play incomplete, the clock is started on the ready-for-play signal, not on the snap. NFHS timing: when the
clock was stopped by officials’ administrative action, the referee starts the clock on the ready-for-play unless
rules specify otherwise.
Question 3. A kickoff occurs and a player on the receiving team is wearing eyeglasses without
any lens covering (plain eyeglasses). Another player has an unbraced knee sleeve with a hard
plastic knee pad that protrudes. Which equipment items violate NFHS equipment rules?
A. Plain eyeglasses are illegal; nonbraced knee sleeve with hard protrusion is legal
B. Neither item is illegal; NFHS allows nonprotective eyeglasses and hard knee sleeves
C. Plain eyeglasses are legal if secured; knee sleeve with hard protrusion is illegal unless padded or approved
D. Both items are illegal; eyeglasses and hard protruding knee protection must be approved and safe
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Eyewear without an approved protective covering may be permitted if not deemed dangerous and
secured, but hard unpadded knee braces or protruding hard substances are illegal unless properly padded or
NFHS Football Rules Examination Part 1 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,approved. Officials inspect equipment pregame and may require removal or covering of illegal items for
player safety; enforcement is player disqualification until corrected.
Question 4. On a running play, offensive tackle No. 78 engages a defensive lineman low with his
hands while another offensive player blocks the same defender high, causing the defender to be
contacted simultaneously above and below the waist. How should officials rule?
A. Legal — multiple defenders may be contacted high and low on the same play.
B. Foul — chop block; 15-yard penalty and disqualification of the blocker.
C. Foul only if the low block comes from the back; otherwise legal.
D. Foul — illegal combination block (chop); 15-yard penalty enforced from the previous spot.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Simultaneous high and low blocks on the same defender constitute a chop block under NFHS, which
is a 15-yard personal foul. Enforcement is usually from the previous spot (or spot of the foul if specified by
rule). Officials should rule a chop/block-low-high illegal combination and assess the personal foul penalty.
Question 5. Two-Minute Timing: Second half, Team A gains a first down with 1:58 on the clock.
The ball is spotted and the referee pauses to determine whether the clock should start on the
ready-for-play or the snap. Under two-minute timing rules, when should the clock next start?
A. The clock starts on the snap because during the last two minutes of each half the clock starts on the snap
following a live-ball play that results in a first down for the offense.
B. The clock starts on the ready-for-play signal because the play resulted in a change of team possession.
C. The clock starts on the ready-for-play because first downs always start the clock on the ready after the
two-minute warning.
D. The clock remains stopped until the ball is snapped and the referee signals to start the clock only after the
snap.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Under NFHS two-minute timing, when the offense obtains a first down within the last two minutes
of a half the clock starts on the snap for the next play. This prevents teams from benefiting by delaying the
ready-for-play signal.
Question 6. Late in the fourth quarter, Team A is trailing by four points. After a running play,
A22 and A33 argue on the field and shove each other, escalating to throwing a punch. Both are
ejected by the referee. Prior to the ejections the ball was declared dead at the spot of the runner
where forward progress was marked. What is the correct ruling regarding enforcement and
game administration?
A. Both players are disqualified; no additional foul enforcement; game resumes with the next down at the
dead-ball spot.
B. Both players are disqualified for fighting; officials assess disqualification (player ejection) but no yardage
is enforced for disqualification itself; any additional unsportsmanlike fouls (if occurred) are enforced from
the dead-ball spot.
C. Both players are disqualified for fighting; each receives a disqualification foul with 15-yard penalty
enforced from the succeeding spot; team loses possession if penalty exceeds spot.
D. Both players are disqualified for fighting; each is assessed a personal foul 15 yards, enforced from the
dead-ball spot, and the offended team may choose enforcement options.
Correct Answer: B
NFHS Football Rules Examination Part 1 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, Rationale: NFHS rules: Fighting results in disqualification (ejection). Disqualification is an administrative
action — no automatic 15-yard enforcement is attached to the act of disqualification alone. If a separate
personal-foul act (e.g., punching) that carries a yardage penalty is identified, that foul would be enforced.
Enforcement of post-play unsportsmanlike or personal fouls is from the dead-ball spot/succeeding spot as
appropriate. Officials must report disqualifications and resume play from the previously established dead-
ball/succeeding spot.
Question 7. During a pile-up after a fumble, an offensive lineman grabs a defender’s face mask
and twists while trying to separate him from the ball. How should officials rule?
A. Legal if the face mask grabbed is the chin strap area and not the grille.
B. Legal — only a 5-yard penalty if the face mask is incidental contact.
C. Illegal — face mask foul: 15-yard personal foul enforced from the spot of the foul.
D. Illegal only if the player is injured as a result.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Grabbing and twisting the face mask is a personal foul in NFHS — 15 yards. Enforcement is from
the spot of the foul or previous spot depending on dead/ongoing status. Officials must always call face mask
fouls when unauthorized contact with the mask occurs regardless of injury.
Question 8. 8) Dead-ball foul: After the whistle ends a play at Team B's 10-yard line, a Team A
player shoves an opponent (dead-ball unsportsmanlike conduct). Where is this dead-ball foul
enforced?
A. From the basic spot (end of the run) at the 10-yard line.
B. From the spot of the foul where the shove occurred on the field.
C. From the previous spot (line of scrimmage).
D. From the succeeding spot following enforcement of any live-ball penalty (i.e., enforced from the end of
the play).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dead-ball fouls are enforced from the succeeding spot — the spot where the ball is placed after
enforcement of any live-ball fouls (commonly the end of the play). Therefore unsportsmanlike conduct after
the play is enforced from the succeeding spot (end of the play) per NFHS enforcement mechanics.
Question 9. Coach Conduct: A coach on the sideline aggressively confronts an official after a
disputed call, uses profane language, and refuses to leave when warned. What is the correct
ruling?
A. Unsportsmanlike conduct—coach disqualified; 15-yard penalty assessed on team from succeeding spot.
B. Official issues a warning; no further action.
C. Coach is ejected and team assessed a 5-yard delay of game penalty.
D. Official must call a bench warning but cannot disqualify coach.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Abusive, profane confrontation of an official by a coach is unsportsmanlike conduct. NFHS requires
disqualification of that coach and assessment of a 15-yard penalty enforced on the team from the succeeding
spot; officials follow ejection mechanics and game-reporting procedures.
Question 10. An injured player requires attention on the field. The official stops play and signals
for an official timeout. What is the correct administration regarding the game clock?
NFHS Football Rules Examination Part 1 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
