NFHS Football Case Plays - Rule 3 (Periods, Time Factor, and Substitutions)

NFHS FOOTBALL CASE PLAYS - RULE 3 (PERIODS, TIME FACTOR, AND SUBSTITUTIONS) 3.1.1 SITUATION A: The home management notifies the game officials and the visiting-team coach 30 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff that the halftime intermission will be extended for homecoming activities. - correct answer RULING: The maximum length of the halftime intermission is 20 minutes. Any greater extension is not permitted either by mutual agreement or prior notification. COMMENT: By agreement of the opposing coaches, the halftime intermission may be reduced to a minimum of 10 minutes unless there has been a delay of at least 30 minutes due to weather in the last three minutes of the second period (3-1-6, 3-1-6c, 3-1-6c EXCEPTION) *3.1.1 SITUATION B: Prior to the game, the participating schools have agreed to a 20-minute halftime intermission: (a) After 20 minutes have been placed on the game clock, planned band performances are canceled because of cold weather. Both teams arrive on the field with six minutes remaining on the game clock. Both coaches tell the game officials they have agreed to shorten the halftime intermission and want the game to start as soon as they have both had three minutes to warm up; or (b) As the teams leave the field, the timer places 20 minutes on the game clock and upon reaching 0:00, places three additional minutes on the game clock. - correct answer RULING: In (a), mutual agreement of coaches to shorten the halftime intermission is permitted. They may not, however, shorten it to less than 10 minutes unless there has been a delay of at least 30 minutes due to weather in the last three minutes of the second period. Regardless of what it is shortened to, the three-minute warm-up time always must be added to whatever is agreed to for the halftime intermission. In (b), the time has been posted properly. (3-1-6, 3-1-6c, 3-1-6c EXCEPTION, 3-1-7) 3.1.1 SITUATION C: Upon returning to the field near the end of the normal 15-minute halftime intermission, the game officials notice one team standing quietly in front of its bench during the entire three minutes posted for warm-up. The game officials: (a) start the game as soon as the three minutes have elapsed, or (b) inform the coach of that team that the team must actively warm up by running or doing some kind of exercises. - correct answer RULING: The game officials are correct in (a), but in error in (b). The rules book contains no definition of what constitutes a warm-up. It simply requires that an opportunity to warm up be made available. (3-1-7) *3.1.1 SITUATION D: Both teams are informed of a 15-minute halftime intermission. The game officials remind the teams that the halftime intermission period is nearing an end, and that the three-minute warm-up period will begin immediately. Team A returns to the field prior to the end of the halftime intermission, however Team B is not on the field when the halftime intermission ends and the timer immediately and appropriately starts the three-minute warm-up period. Team B does not arrive on the field until the three-minute warm-up period has expired. - correct answer RULING: The head coach of Team B is charged with unsportsmanlike conduct and B is penalized 15 yards to start the second half. Though Team B has violated the rule by not being on the field at the end of the halftime intermission, and by not being on the field at the end of the three-minute warm-up period, only one unsportsmanlike conduct foul is penalized. (3-1-7, 9-8-1g) 3.1.5 SITUATION A: During the second period, a cloudburst brings a torrent of rain onto a grass field. The game officials suspend play and after a 20-minute delay determine the field is no longer playable. - correct answer RULING: While the game officials are authorized to delay or suspend a game when weather conditions are construed to be hazardous to life or limb, such as lightning, tornado alert, etc., a heavy shower which only affects the playing conditions, may or may not be judged by the game officials to be hazardous to life or limb. While the game officials are the final authority on suspending play, it is a good practice for the game officials to discuss the alternatives with game management and representatives of both teams before suspending the game. 3.1.5 SITUATION B: During the third period, a thunderstorm moves into the area. The crew of game officials huddle to assess the situation. There is disagreement among the crew as to whether the game should be suspended. - correct answer RULING: The referee will make the final decision. If possible, he should involve game administration from each school before making the final decision unless there is no time for discussion. Risk minimization must always be the primary consideration.