Rules  Clarifications & Updates 

     

Bona Fide Move Rule              Transfer Rule                 Summer Camps, Practices

NFHS Rules Interpretations
      
        


Sport By Sport
Baseball
2012 Rules Changes Stress Coaches' Responsibility
    
2012 Non-Wood Bat Rule: Effective Jan. 1, 2012, all non-wood bats shall meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (
BBCOR) performance standard, and such bats shall be labeled with a silk screen or other permanent certification mark. The certification mark has to be rectangular, a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color. There shall be no devices, attachments or wrappings that cause the handle to become flush with the knob. Moulded grips are illegal.
    
Altered Bats:
Under National Federation rules, any equipment that is altered and does not meet rule specifications is illegal. Bats that are broken, cracked, dented or deface the ball are illegal. Treatments and devices used to enhance performance are prohibited and render the bat illegal. (See Baseball Rule 1-3-5 and Softball Rule 1-1-1c)

Basketball 
    
Penalties For Fouls During Throw-Ins Among 2011-12 Rules Changes

    
NFHS Ban On Concept 1 Shoes Is Lifted

Football
 
     
Chop Block Rule Redefined In Rules Changes For 2011 


Golf (USGA rules govern play except where local rules are necessary.)

     Rules Help Line: golfrules@PGA.com

Soccer 
     Illegal Equipment Violations Revised In 2011-12 Rules Changes

Softball 
     Rules Change Enforces Stricter Penalty for Illegal Bats In 2012       
     
Swimming & Diving
    
Forward Approach Definition Altered In 2011-12 Rules Changes 
          
Volleyball
    
2011 Rules Changes Are Primarily Administrative

Wrestling 
   Change In Weight Classes Highlights 2011-12 Rules Revisions

Track & Field And Cross Country
     2012 Rules Changes Focus On Jewelry, Pole Vault

Tennis (USTA rules govern play except where local rules are necessary.)
     USTA Rules


Other Clarifications

Spirit Rules:  Changes For 2011-12 Focus On Performing Surfaces

Camps During the School Year: (1) School teams cannot attend. (2) The Fifty Percent Rule is in effect if students attend as individuals. (3) Coaches cannot work on a camp staff if any of his of his/her own players are in attendance.

Athletic Physical Education Class is defined as a time during the school day that a sport has over 50 percent of the number of their athletes required to make up a team in one physical education class. During that period, no organized instruction may take place for any sport that is not in season. The only time a ball can be used is during a period of free play. Athletic P.E. should be used for weight training and conditioning and occasional times of free play. 

Leaving The Team Area Ejection/Suspension: If players leave the team area onto the court or field and are ejected under National Federation rules, they will also be suspended for 20 percent of the team’s total number of regular season contests. A tournament would count as one contest except in championship play where the suspension would be in effect contest by contest.
Note: Any player who leaves the team area onto the court or field without being ejected under National Federation rules will be subject to applicable penalties upon review by the AHSAA.


Sports Under Jurisdiction has been established for new or emerging sports among AHSAA member schools beginning in 2010-11. These sports would be required to follow NFHS rules and regulations, meet all AHSAA eligibility requirements and use AHSAA-registered officials where applicable.

Spring Football Practice: If a high school holds a separate practice period for its ninth grade, it must be held during the allotted spring practice period of the school where it’s being conducted. Spring practice for any other grade level must follow the same guideline.

Post Season Play: Post-season contests are prohibited unless sponsored by the AHSAA. A team’s season ends in all sports when the team is eliminated from the state championship program.

 

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