NFHS | CHSAANow.com

Stories by NFHS

7/9

Larger First Base Option Allowed in High School Baseball

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 8, 2026) —Beginning next year, high school baseball teams will be given the option to use an 18-inch first base or the double first base. The larger base is presented as an alternative to the previously mandated double first base, which goes into effect in 2027.

5/21

States May Allow Ice Hockey Teams to Select Faceoff Location After Icing, Penalty Infractions

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 21, 2026) — With a change in high school ice hockey rules for the 2026-27 season, states may choose to enact a rule that will provide the non-offending team a subtle benefit from an icing or penalty infraction by the offending team.

5/20

Clock Adjustments Addressed to Support Officials in 2026-27 High School Basketball Rules Changes

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 20, 2026) — Guidelines to help game officials manage the game clock at the end of each quarter and other timing errors are among the major rules changes in high school basketball for the 2026-27 season.

5/12

Students Can Earn National Student Credential Through NFHS Learning Center

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 12, 2026) — Students across the country can now earn a nationally recognized credential that highlights their leadership skills, personal growth and positive contributions to interscholastic programs and school communities.

3/16

New Process for Distributing Cards Among 13 Changes in High School Soccer Rules

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 16, 2026)—Several rules updates were approved in high school soccer for next school year, including new guidance on carding, penalty kick encroachment, a longer time limit for goalkeepers to release the ball, and additional clarifications on equipment and electronic devices.

3/11

High School Spirit Rules Adjusted to Provide Increased Clarity While Maintaining Focus on Minimizing Risk

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 11, 2026) — Adjusted language in high school spirit rules helps to clarify how participants may perform certain stunts while still minimizing risk. While some rules have been modified to allow a natural progression of skills to continue within the sport, others have been revised to ensure consistency among similar skills.

2/6

Player Equipment, Penalty Corners Focus of High School Field Hockey Rules Changes

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 6, 2026) — Changes to mouthguard recommendations and penalty corner rules were among three revisions recommended by the NFHS Field Hockey Rules Committee at its January 12-14 in Indianapolis. All recommended changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors and take effect with the 2026 high school field hockey season.

2/4

Prohibition on Slapping the Head Now Applies to All Players in High School Football

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 4, 2026) — In an ongoing focus on minimizing risk of injury in high school sports, the NFHS Football Rules Committee strengthened a rule related to illegal personal contact. Both revisions recommended by the committee were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

8/21/2025

Five Debate Topic Choices Announced for 2026-27 National High School Policy Debate Topic

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has announced the five resolutions advancing to the final ballot for the 2026-27 National High School Policy Debate Topic, following deliberations at the annual NFHS Policy Debate Topic Selection Meeting held July 31-August 3 in Austin Texas.

8/18/2025

Participation in High School Sports Hits Record High with Sizable Increase in 2024-25

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — High school athletics participation increased by nearly 200,000 in 2024-25, continuing an upward trajectory since the pandemic and registering an all-time high for participation.

7/23/2025

Widefield Participates in Testimonials for Make Music Day Through NFHS

INDIANAPOLIS – Thirteen middle and high school music programs across the country submitted video testimonials detailing how music education has profoundly impacted their lives and received recognition and free music from Alfred Music.

7/16/2025

Minimizing Risk of Injury Among Track & Field Rule Revisions

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – With 21 state associations now incorporating the javelin into outdoor track and field competition, the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee voted to move the implement construction specifications into the Track and Field Rules Book, effective with the 2026 season.

7/11/2025

Five Rules Changes Approved For 2026 High School Girls Lacrosse Season

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Improving game flow and pace of play are the primary focuses of the 2026 high school girls lacrosse rules changes.

7/8/2025

12 Rules Changes Approved Ahead of 2026 High School Boys Lacrosse Season

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Among the changes for the 2026 high school boys lacrosse season, no defensive player other than a properly equipped goalkeeper can enter the team’s own crease with the perceived intent of blocking a shot or acting as a goalkeeper, or a personal foul for illegal equipment will be called as a non-releasable foul.

7/8/2025

Double First Base Introduced into High School Baseball

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Beginning with the 2027 season, a double first base will be required in high school baseball games to minimize the risk of collisions by runners and fielders.

6/17/2025

NFHS Announces New Digital Platform for Rules Publications

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 17, 2025) — The NFHS is excited to announce the launch of NFHS Digital, its new mobile platform designed to provide officials, coaches and educators with instant access to its rules publications library.

6/16/2025

First NFHS Flag Football Rules Book, Other Fall Sports Rules Publications Now Available

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 16, 2025) — The first rules publication for high school flag football – the nation’s fastest-growing emerging sport – is now available for purchase from the NFHS. The 2025-26 NFHS Flag Football Rules Book, and rules publications for six other fall sports, are available through the NFHS order fulfillment site at www.NFHS.com.

5/22/2025

...