,NFHS Football Officials Exam – Certification –
Q&A (2026/2027) | NFHS
1. What is the number of players on the field per team during a legal down in
NFHS football?
A) 11
B) 10
C) 12
D) 9
Correct Answer: A) 11
Rationale: NFHS rules require 11 players per team on the field during play. More
than 11 results in an illegal participation foul. This is foundational to game
administration and legal substitution.
2. Which official has primary responsibility for the legality of the snap?
A) Referee
B) Back Judge
C) Umpire
D) Linesman
Correct Answer: C) Umpire
,Rationale: The umpire is positioned near the line of scrimmage and monitors
the center, guards, and tackles for encroachment, false starts, and the legality of
the snap. The referee watches the backfield and general play.
3. How many points is a touchdown worth in NFHS rules?
A) 5
B) 7
C) 8
D) 6
Correct Answer: D) 6
Rationale: A touchdown scores six points in NFHS football. The try may add one
point for a kick or two points for a run/pass. The scoring value is fundamental to
game administration.
4. Which statement about a chop block is correct?
A) It is legal anywhere on the field.
B) It is a combination block with one low and one high block and is illegal.
C) It is legal only in the free-blocking zone.
D) It is a block below the waist by one player.
Correct Answer: B) It is a combination block with one low and one high block
and is illegal.
, Rationale: A chop block involves two or more teammates combining blocks,
with at least one block at or below the knee and one above the knee. It is illegal
anywhere, including the free-blocking zone.
5. What is the length of each quarter in NFHS high school football?
A) 10 minutes
B) 12 minutes
C) 15 minutes
D) 20 minutes
Correct Answer: B) 12 minutes
Rationale: NFHS rules specify 12-minute quarters for varsity high school
football. Some states may adopt shorter quarters for sub-varsity levels, but the
standard is 12 minutes.
6. Which act is defined as taking aim and initiating contact above the shoulders
with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow, or shoulders?
A) Face tackling
B) Blocking below the waist
C) Charging
D) Targeting
Correct Answer: D) Targeting
Q&A (2026/2027) | NFHS
1. What is the number of players on the field per team during a legal down in
NFHS football?
A) 11
B) 10
C) 12
D) 9
Correct Answer: A) 11
Rationale: NFHS rules require 11 players per team on the field during play. More
than 11 results in an illegal participation foul. This is foundational to game
administration and legal substitution.
2. Which official has primary responsibility for the legality of the snap?
A) Referee
B) Back Judge
C) Umpire
D) Linesman
Correct Answer: C) Umpire
,Rationale: The umpire is positioned near the line of scrimmage and monitors
the center, guards, and tackles for encroachment, false starts, and the legality of
the snap. The referee watches the backfield and general play.
3. How many points is a touchdown worth in NFHS rules?
A) 5
B) 7
C) 8
D) 6
Correct Answer: D) 6
Rationale: A touchdown scores six points in NFHS football. The try may add one
point for a kick or two points for a run/pass. The scoring value is fundamental to
game administration.
4. Which statement about a chop block is correct?
A) It is legal anywhere on the field.
B) It is a combination block with one low and one high block and is illegal.
C) It is legal only in the free-blocking zone.
D) It is a block below the waist by one player.
Correct Answer: B) It is a combination block with one low and one high block
and is illegal.
, Rationale: A chop block involves two or more teammates combining blocks,
with at least one block at or below the knee and one above the knee. It is illegal
anywhere, including the free-blocking zone.
5. What is the length of each quarter in NFHS high school football?
A) 10 minutes
B) 12 minutes
C) 15 minutes
D) 20 minutes
Correct Answer: B) 12 minutes
Rationale: NFHS rules specify 12-minute quarters for varsity high school
football. Some states may adopt shorter quarters for sub-varsity levels, but the
standard is 12 minutes.
6. Which act is defined as taking aim and initiating contact above the shoulders
with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow, or shoulders?
A) Face tackling
B) Blocking below the waist
C) Charging
D) Targeting
Correct Answer: D) Targeting
