NFHS Expands Rules On Football Helmets Coming Off

February 8, 2013 / Football

The News & Observer

http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/02/08/2663074/high-schools-strengthen-football.html

The National Federation of State High School Associations expanded its rules this week concerning football helmets coming off during play.

Any player whose helmet comes off during play must leave the game for at least one play under the rule that was adopted for the 2013 season.

Any player who loses his helmet during a live ball situation cannot continue to participate and no player may hit a player whose helmet is completely off.

If a ball carrier loses his helmet, the play stops.

The penalty for participating without a helmet is a live ball foul and in some cases could be a flagrant foul.

“This is just continuing the process we started to ensure the safety of our players,” said Mark Dreibelbis, an assistant commissioner of the N.C. High School Athletic Association. “Wearing a properly fitted helmet is one of the keys to protecting the head.”

Two years ago, the NCHSAA conducted the first comprehensive study of helmets coming off during high school competition and the study was a factor in the Federation adopting its previous helmet rule.

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/02/08/2663074/high-schools-strengthen-football.html#storylink=cpy

North Carolina State