2015 OHSAA State Rules Interpretation
Meeting
Presenters – Beau Rugg & Bruce Maurer
OHSAA Points of Emphasis
State Rules Interpreters
Beau RuggAssistant Commissioner
Dr. Bruce MaurerDirector of Officiating Development
1. Pages 83-85: Delete all (Overtime)
2. Page 99: Delete all (Lightning & Thunder)
NFHS Rules Book Modifications
Assigners & Commissioner DO NOT suspend or revise OHSAA Polices & Regulations
OHSAA Policies & Regulations
If HC requests a Coach/Referee Conference, we must grant it
Don’t feel offended
Check Gold Book for appropriate mechanics
Coach/Referee Conference
Officials give “no comment” regarding officiating questions.
Refer media members to the OHSAA.
Officials & The Media
Overtime will be played for varsity games only
No overtime will be played for sub-varsity games.◦ No Exceptions
Overtime
Players and coaches can be disqualified
File OHSAA Ejection Report
DQ’d player/coach will miss Week 1 game
Scrimmages
Officials: Review Safety Policies in the Gold Book
Start Hydrating the Day before the Game
Plenty of Water on Game Day
Heat & Humidity
Eye shade – 1 solid black stroke under the eye
Knee pads – must cover knee
Hip, thigh, and tailbone pads - required
Towels – no lettering Play cards must be on
the wrist Mouthpieces – not clear
or white Elastic bands – illegal Eye shields – must be
clear
Player Equipment
Check before the game and make changes as needed.
Player with signs and symptoms is suspended from the game and may NOT reenter
Concussion: OHSAA Policy
The schools are responsible for the “return to play,” not the officials.
Concussions – Return to Play
Any lightning seen or thunder heard – evacuate the field and take cover◦ 30 minute rule◦ Record all necessary game
information.
Halftime may be shortened/eliminated
Failure to follow policy – officials could be suspended up to 2 years
All players & coaches must be off the field during this time
Inclement Weather
Restricted Area – 2 Yards
Dead Ball – HC may come 2 steps on to the field
Live Ball – No one may be in the restricted area
RESTRICTED AREA
Pass Eligibility Rules (7-5-6a)
43
23 93
12
7
75 62 51 77 52 81
Eligible Receivers
If this player catches TD pass, it’s a TD.
Pass Eligibility Rules (7-5-6a)
63
23 93
12
7
75 62 51 77 52 81
Eligible Receivers
If this player catches TD pass, it’s a foul for illegal touching: 5 yards, loss of
down.
In order to be eligible, the A Player must be eligible by both his Position AND his jersey number.
So if # 41 is the Center & he is on the End of the Line he is eligible by both his Number (#49) & his position since he in on the End of the Line.
Eligibility on a Muddle Huddle
A shift is illegal if it is designed with the intent to draw the opponent to encroach.
It can NOT be sudden and abrupt.
Place special emphasis on punt plays.
Illegal Shifts (7-1-7b)
If this foul is part of DQ for another assessed UNS, do not send an OHSAA Ejection Report.
Intentional Pass Interference (7-5-10)