NFHS FOOTBALL RULES CERTIFICATION ACTUAL EXAM PREP 2026 ALL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES ALREADY A GRADED WITH EXPERT FEEDBACK |NEW AND REVISED

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NFHS FOOTBALL RULES CERTIFICATION ACTUAL
EXAM PREP 2026 ALL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES ALREADY
A GRADED WITH EXPERT FEEDBACK |NEW AND
REVISED


1. According to NFHS Rule 1-1-1, what is the object of the game?
A) To score the most points by advancing the ball across the opponent's
goal line or by kicking it through the uprights
B) To carry or pass the ball across the opponent's goal line or to
kick the ball through the opponent's goal by place kick or drop kick
C) To advance the ball by running or passing into the opponent's end
zone
D) To score more points than the opponent by any legal means
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-1-1 explicitly states: "The object of the game
is to carry or pass the ball across the opponent's goal line or to kick
the ball through the opponent's goal by place kick or drop kick." The
game is won by the team that accumulates the most points.
2. What are the official dimensions of a regulation high school football
playing field?
A) 300 feet by 150 feet
B) 360 feet by 160 feet
C) 330 feet by 150 feet
D) 360 feet by 180 feet
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-1-2 specifies that the playing field shall be
360 feet (120 yards) in length and 160 feet (53 1/3 yards) in width.
3. How many players are required for each team to start a game?

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A) 9 players
B) 10 players
C) 11 players
D) 12 players
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-1-3 requires 11 players for each team at the
start of a game. However, a team may continue with fewer players if
necessary.
4. If a team does not have enough players to start a game, what is the
result?
A) The game is postponed
B) Forfeit, with a score of 1-0 awarded to the offended team
C) The game is played with fewer players
D) A fine is assessed to the team
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-1-3 states that if a team does not have
enough players to start a game, a forfeit is declared. The score is 1-0 in
favor of the offended team.
5. How long before the scheduled game time must officials take the field
for authority?
A) 15 minutes
B) 20 minutes
C) 25 minutes
D) 30 minutes
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-1-7 requires officials to take the field 30
minutes prior to the scheduled game time, or as soon as they are able
to be present.
6. Whose decisions are final in all matters pertaining to the game?
A) The Head Coach
B) The Umpire

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C) The Referee
D) The Line Judge
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-1-6 states that the referee's decisions are
final in all matters pertaining to the game.
7. When does an official's authority end?
A) At the end of regulation play
B) After the final whistle
C) Through the duration of the 4th period and any overtimes, as
well as up to the completion of any reports
D) When the teams leave the field
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-1-8 specifies that officials' authority extends
through the duration of the 4th period and any overtimes, as well as up
to the completion of any reports.
8. Are officials permitted to use instant replay or other monitoring
equipment?
A) Yes, if available
B) No
C) Only in state championship games
D) Only with approval of both coaches
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-1-9 explicitly prohibits officials from using
instant replay or other monitoring equipment.
9. Can a forfeit be declared by the umpire?
A) Yes, if the referee is unavailable
B) No, only the referee can declare a forfeit, and it is final
C) Yes, with approval of the head coach
D) No, only the state association can declare a forfeit
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-1-10 states that only the referee may declare
a forfeit, and the decision is final.

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10. Are protests of NFHS rules recognized?
A) Yes, if filed in writing
B) Yes, if filed before the game ends
C) No, they are not recognized
D) Yes, only in playoff games
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-1-11 explicitly states that protests of NFHS
rules are not recognized.
11. How close to the sidelines can sideline markers be placed?
A) 1 yard
B) 3 yards
C) 5 yards
D) 10 yards
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-2-2 requires that sideline markers be placed
no closer than 5 yards from the sidelines.
12. How often is a continuous yard line marking used on the field?
A) Every 10 yards
B) Every 5 yards
C) Every 2 yards
D) Only on the hash marks
Rationale: NFHS Rule 1-2-3a and 1-2-3b require continuous yard line
markings every 5 yards, ending 4 inches from the sideline, except the
goal line and end line.
13. What is the minimum width for line markings, hash marks, sidelines,
and restraining lines?
A) 2 inches
B) 4 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 8 inches