NFHS FOOTBALL RULES EXAM 2026-2027
Complete Practice Questions & Answers | Verified
& A+ Graded
QUESTION 1
Which official is the only one authorized to declare a forfeit?
A) Umpire
B) Head Linesman
C) Referee
D) Line Judge
Correct Answer: C) Referee
Rationale: Only the Referee has the authority to declare a forfeit, and the
decision is final. This is specified in NFHS Rule 1-1-10 .
QUESTION 2
What is the penalty for a chop block?
A) 5 yards
B) 10 yards
C) 15 yards
D) Loss of down
Correct Answer: C) 15 yards
,Rationale: A chop block is a combination block by two or more teammates
against an opponent, where one block is high and one is low. The penalty for
a chop block is 15 yards, not 10 yards as commonly mistaken .
QUESTION 3
An official calls a time-out because A1 appears injured. What must happen?
A) A1 may remain in the game
B) A1 must leave for at least one play
C) A1 must leave for the remainder of the quarter
D) A1 may stay if the coach requests it
Correct Answer: B) A1 must leave for at least one play
Rationale: When an official calls a time-out for an injured player, the player
must be replaced for at least one down, unless halftime or an overtime
intermission occurs. This is per NFHS Rule 3-5-10 .
QUESTION 4
A shift designed to cause the defense to encroach is considered what?
A) Legal
B) A false start
C) An illegal shift
D) Encroachment
Correct Answer: B) A false start
Rationale: Any shift that is designed to cause the defense to encroach is
considered a false start. This is a dead-ball foul against the offense .
,QUESTION 5
During a free kick, when does the game clock start?
A) When the ball is kicked
B) When the ball is touched by the receiving team
C) When the ball is marked ready-for-play
D) When the ball crosses the receiving team's goal line
Correct Answer: C) When the ball is marked ready-for-play
Rationale: On all free kicks, the game clock will start when the ball is marked
ready-for-play .
QUESTION 6
What happens if there is a double foul during the last timed down of a
period?
A) The period ends immediately
B) The period is automatically extended
C) The period ends and the fouls offset
D) The game goes to overtime
Correct Answer: B) The period is automatically extended
Rationale: When a double foul occurs during the last timed down of a period,
the period is automatically extended to allow for penalty enforcement. This
ensures the down can be replayed .
, QUESTION 7
During a play, a wing official contacts the head coach in the restricted area
in the first half. In the second half, the head coach is flagged for
unsportsmanlike conduct. What is the ruling?
A) The head coach receives a warning
B) The head coach is ejected
C) The head coach receives a 15-yard penalty only
D) No action is taken
Correct Answer: B) The head coach is ejected
Rationale: A head coach who receives an unsportsmanlike conduct foul after
having contact with an official in the restricted area is ejected. This is a
cumulative penalty situation .
QUESTION 8
Can an umpire declare a forfeit?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only if the Referee is unavailable
D) Only in overtime
Correct Answer: B) No
Rationale: A forfeit cannot be declared by the Umpire. The Referee is the only
official with this authority, and the decision is final .
Complete Practice Questions & Answers | Verified
& A+ Graded
QUESTION 1
Which official is the only one authorized to declare a forfeit?
A) Umpire
B) Head Linesman
C) Referee
D) Line Judge
Correct Answer: C) Referee
Rationale: Only the Referee has the authority to declare a forfeit, and the
decision is final. This is specified in NFHS Rule 1-1-10 .
QUESTION 2
What is the penalty for a chop block?
A) 5 yards
B) 10 yards
C) 15 yards
D) Loss of down
Correct Answer: C) 15 yards
,Rationale: A chop block is a combination block by two or more teammates
against an opponent, where one block is high and one is low. The penalty for
a chop block is 15 yards, not 10 yards as commonly mistaken .
QUESTION 3
An official calls a time-out because A1 appears injured. What must happen?
A) A1 may remain in the game
B) A1 must leave for at least one play
C) A1 must leave for the remainder of the quarter
D) A1 may stay if the coach requests it
Correct Answer: B) A1 must leave for at least one play
Rationale: When an official calls a time-out for an injured player, the player
must be replaced for at least one down, unless halftime or an overtime
intermission occurs. This is per NFHS Rule 3-5-10 .
QUESTION 4
A shift designed to cause the defense to encroach is considered what?
A) Legal
B) A false start
C) An illegal shift
D) Encroachment
Correct Answer: B) A false start
Rationale: Any shift that is designed to cause the defense to encroach is
considered a false start. This is a dead-ball foul against the offense .
,QUESTION 5
During a free kick, when does the game clock start?
A) When the ball is kicked
B) When the ball is touched by the receiving team
C) When the ball is marked ready-for-play
D) When the ball crosses the receiving team's goal line
Correct Answer: C) When the ball is marked ready-for-play
Rationale: On all free kicks, the game clock will start when the ball is marked
ready-for-play .
QUESTION 6
What happens if there is a double foul during the last timed down of a
period?
A) The period ends immediately
B) The period is automatically extended
C) The period ends and the fouls offset
D) The game goes to overtime
Correct Answer: B) The period is automatically extended
Rationale: When a double foul occurs during the last timed down of a period,
the period is automatically extended to allow for penalty enforcement. This
ensures the down can be replayed .
, QUESTION 7
During a play, a wing official contacts the head coach in the restricted area
in the first half. In the second half, the head coach is flagged for
unsportsmanlike conduct. What is the ruling?
A) The head coach receives a warning
B) The head coach is ejected
C) The head coach receives a 15-yard penalty only
D) No action is taken
Correct Answer: B) The head coach is ejected
Rationale: A head coach who receives an unsportsmanlike conduct foul after
having contact with an official in the restricted area is ejected. This is a
cumulative penalty situation .
QUESTION 8
Can an umpire declare a forfeit?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only if the Referee is unavailable
D) Only in overtime
Correct Answer: B) No
Rationale: A forfeit cannot be declared by the Umpire. The Referee is the only
official with this authority, and the decision is final .
