NFHS rewrote rule 9-4-7 for the 2026 season. The old language only banned defensive players from slapping a blocker's head. It now applies to everyone on the field, offense included. No gear to buy and nothing to sign, just know why a flag might land on an offensive lineman this fall for something officials used to let go.
This Season · Safety · football
NFHS closes the head-slap loophole: the ban now covers every football player, not just defense
September 1, 2026
Source: National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
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