2012 NFHS Football Exam - Part I

1. The game officials retain clerical authority over the game through the completion of any reports, including those imposing disqualifications that are responsive to actions occurring while the game officials had jurisdiction.

True

False

1-1-8

Explanation

1-1-8

2. The helmet shall be secured by a properly fastened chin strap with at least four attachment points.

True

False

1-5-1a2

Explanation

1-5-1a2

3. The kicking tee may not elevate the ball more than 2 inches above the ground.

True

False

1-3-4

Explanation

1-3-4

4. After the passer has clearly released the ball from in or behind the neutral zone, Team B must make a definite effort to avoid charging into the passer.

True

False

9-4

Explanation

9-4

5. No replaced player, substitute, coach, athletic trainer or other attendant shall hinder an opponent, touch the ball, influence the play or otherwise participate.

True

False

9-6-3

Explanation

9-6-3

6. Each team is allowed three charged time-outs per half.

True

False

3-5-1

Explanation

3-5-1

7. A television time-out is not charged to either team.

True

False

3-5-7k

Explanation

3-5-7k

8. Touching is any contact with the ball either by touching it or being touched by it.

True

False

2-44

Explanation

2-44

9. A penalty is a result imposed by rule against a team or team member that has committed a foul.

True

False

2-16-1,5

Explanation

2-16-1,5

10. Dead-ball fouls are administered separately and in order of their occurrence.

True

False

10-2-5

Explanation

10-2-5

11. If any player's helmet comes off during the down, and it is not due to a foul by the opponent, that player must leave the game for at least one down (unless halftime or an overtime intermission occurs).

True

False

3-5-10d

Explanation

3-5-10d

12. Jerseys shall be long enough to reach the top of the pants.

True

False

1-5-1b1

Explanation

1-5-1b1

13. The game officials are responsible for ensuring that there is a three-minute warm-up period posted on the clock and that the clock starts immediately after the halftime intermission expires.

True

False

3-1; Tble Mand Warmup

Explanation

3-1; Tble Mand Warmup

14. Play cards may be attached to the pants.

True

False

1-5-3c8

Explanation

1-5-3c8

15. If a false start causes B to encroach, only the false start is penalized.

True

False

7-1-7,8; CB 7.1.7A

Explanation

7-1-7,8; CB 7.1.7A

16. No series can ever start on a down other than first.

True

False

1-2

Explanation

1-2

17. No player or nonplayer shall grasp an opponent's tooth and mouth protector attached to the face mask.

True

False

9-4-3h

Explanation

9-4-3h

18. Blocking in the back is permitted in the free-blocking zone when the following conditions are met:

By offensive linemen who are on the line of scrimmage and in the zone at the snap.

Against defensive players who are in the zone at the snap.

The contact is in the zone.

All of the above.

2-17-4

Explanation

2-17-4

19. No receiver may advance the ball after a valid or invalid fair-catch signal by any R player.

True

False

4-2-2g, 6-5-5

Explanation

4-2-2g, 6-5-5

20. The re-entry of a disqualified player is an illegal participation foul.

True

False

9-6-4a

Explanation

9-6-4a

21. If time for any period expires during a down, play shall continue until the down ends.

True

False

3-3-2

Explanation

3-3-2

22. A catch is the act of establishing player possession of a live ball which is in flight, and first contacting the ground inbounds while maintaining possession of the ball.

True

False

2-4-1

Explanation

2-4-1

23. It is a safety if A1's backward pass enters the end zone and touches the ground out of bounds behind A's goal line.

True

False

8-5-2b

Explanation

8-5-2b

24. Blocking by a player either on offense or defense is illegal when it is:

Kick-catching interference

Forward-pass interference

A personal foul

All of the above

9-3-1a,b,c

Explanation

9-3-1a,b,c

25. An official's time-out shall be declared to permit prompt repair of equipment that becomes illegal or defective during use.

True

False

1-5-5, 3-5-5b

Explanation

1-5-5, 3-5-5b

26. A passer continues to be a passer until the legal forward pass ends or until he moves to participate in the play.

True

False

2-32-11

Explanation

2-32-11

27. If a dead-ball foul occurs after time expires for any period, the penalty shall be measured from the succeeding spot unless Rule 8-2-5 applies.

True

False

10-1-2; 3-3-6

Explanation

10-1-2; 3-3-6

28. Unused second half time-outs can be used in overtime.

True

False

3-5-1

Explanation

3-5-1

29. The clock shall start with the snap or when any free kick is touched, other than first touching by K, if the clock was stopped because a fair catch is made.

True

False

3-4-1a

Explanation

3-4-1a

30. It is a safety when a player on offense commits any foul for which the penalty is accepted and enforcement is from a spot in his end zone.

True

False

8-5-2c

Explanation

8-5-2c

31. The team whose goal line is involved shall put the ball in play anywhere between the hash marks on its 20-yard line by a snap after a touchback and by a free kick after a safety.

True

False

6-5-4; 4-3-6

Explanation

6-5-4; 4-3-6

32. Players of the same team can participate during the same down while wearing identical numbers.

True

False

7-2-5c

Explanation

7-2-5c

33. Contact with an opponent's hand(s) below the waist that continues into the body below the waist is considered blocking below the waist.

True

False

2-3-7

Explanation

2-3-7

34. Possession of a live ball in the opponent's end zone is always a touchdown.

True

False

8-2-1

Explanation

8-2-1

35. An offensive player cannot commit a spearing foul.

True

False

9-4-3h, 2-20-1c

Explanation

9-4-3h, 2-20-1c

36. An offensive player may push, pull or lift the runner to assist his forward progress.

True

False

9-1

Explanation

9-1

37. The penalty for a chop block is 5 yards.

True

False

2-3-8; 9-3-6 Pen

Explanation

2-3-8; 9-3-6 Pen

38. Fouls that occur after an inadvertent whistle can only be dead-ball fouls.

True

False

2-16-2a; 4-2-2j

Explanation

2-16-2a; 4-2-2j

39. If B1 intercepts a forward pass in B's end zone and begins to return, but is tackled in the end zone, it is a touchback.

True

False

8-5-3d

Explanation

8-5-3d

40. It is a foul when the helmet comes completely off of a player who is in possession of the ball.

True

False

3-5-10d

Explanation

3-5-10d

41. It is a touchback when A1 fumbles on B's 2-yard line and the ball goes into B's end zone and out-of-bounds there.

True

False

8-5-3c

Explanation

8-5-3c

42. It is not a touchdown when a runner advances from the field of play so that the ball penetrates the vertical plane of the opponent's goal line.

True

False

8-2-1a

Explanation

8-2-1a

43. Before the ready-for-play signal, A may designate the spot from which the ball is put in play anywhere between the hash marks.

For a try

For a kickoff

Following a safety

Following an awarded fair catch

All of the above

The explanation for the given answer is that before the ready-for-play signal, in all of the mentioned scenarios (try, kickoff, following a safety, following an awarded fair catch), A has the freedom to designate the spot from which the ball is put in play anywhere between the hash marks. This means that A can choose to place the ball at any point between the hash marks, depending on their strategy or game plan.

Explanation

The explanation for the given answer is that before the ready-for-play signal, in all of the mentioned scenarios (try, kickoff, following a safety, following an awarded fair catch), A has the freedom to designate the spot from which the ball is put in play anywhere between the hash marks. This means that A can choose to place the ball at any point between the hash marks, depending on their strategy or game plan.

44. A measurement may be requested by the captain prior to the ball being marked-ready-for play, but it may be denied if, in the __________ opinion, it is obvious the line to gain has or has not been reached.

Umpire's

Linesman's

Referee's

Line judge's

5-3-2 Note

Explanation

5-3-2 Note

45. The head coach of each team is not responsible for his team being on the field for the mandatory three-minute warm-up period after halftime intermission.

True

False

9-8-1g;3-1 Table p 39

Explanation

9-8-1g;3-1 Table p 39

46. If K1 holds R1 in K's end zone to prevent R1 from recovering a blocked punt, it will be a safety if R accepts the penalty.

True

False

8-5-2c

Explanation

8-5-2c

47. Advertising and/or commercial markings may be placed on the field of play by home management, but the markings cannot obstruct the yard lines, hash marks or nine-yard marks (seven-yard marks for nine-, eight- and six-player).

True

False

1-2-3L

Explanation

1-2-3L

48. Protests of NFHS rules are not recognized.

True

False

1-1-11

Explanation

1-1-11

49. Unless a valid fair-catch signal is given, a fair catch cannot be made.

True

False

6-5-2,3

Explanation

6-5-2,3

50. The penalty for an invalid fair-catch signal by R1 is 5 yards and an automatic first down for K.

True

False

6-5-7,8 Pen

Explanation

6-5-7,8 Pen

51. Team B may not retain possession if an inadvertent whistle sounds with B1 in possession.

True

False

4-3-a,b

Explanation

4-3-a,b

52. Successive charged time-outs may be granted during the same dead-ball period.

True

False

3-5-4

Explanation

3-5-4

53. The game officials are responsible for ensuring that there is only a __________ minute intermission between periods for changing goals.

One

Two

Three

Five

Table 3-1 pg. 39

Explanation

Table 3-1 pg. 39

54. By state association adoption, a point differential may be established whereby if one team has gained the established point differential, the game shall be terminated.

True

False

1-7; Table p. 24 #8

Explanation

1-7; Table p. 24 #8

55. Encroachment may be a live-ball foul.

True

False

2-8

Explanation

2-8

56. If a pool of water forces the referee to move the ball for K1's kick, the free-kick lines may be less than 10 yards apart.

True

False

6-1-1

Explanation

6-1-1

57. The game officials shall assume authority for the contest, including penalizing unsportsmanlike acts, __________ minutes prior to the scheduled game time or as soon thereafter as they are able to be present.

15

30

45

60

1-1-8

Explanation

1-1-8

58. It is illegal participation if a player is lying on the ground to deceive the opponents immediately before the snap or free kick.

True

False

9-6-4 d,e

Explanation

9-6-4 d,e

59. A handed ball beyond the neutral zone is considered to be a pass.

True

False

2-19-1

Explanation

2-19-1

60. It is first down and 10 on A's 12-yard line. A fumble by A1 is still rolling slowly on A's 4-yard line. During an attempt to recover the ball, A2 pushes B1 into the ball which provides new force causing the ball to roll across the goal line where it is recovered by A4 who advances to A's 15-yard line. What is the ruling?

It is A’s ball on the 4-yard line and the next down is second and 18

It is A’s ball on the 15-yard line and the next down is second and seven

Safety

Touchback

The ruling in this situation is that it is A's ball on the 15-yard line and the next down is second and seven. This is because A4 successfully recovered the ball after it crossed the goal line, giving A possession. The penalty for A2 pushing B1 into the ball does not affect the ruling, as it is not mentioned in the question. Therefore, A's offense will have a new set of downs starting at the 15-yard line.

Explanation

The ruling in this situation is that it is A's ball on the 15-yard line and the next down is second and seven. This is because A4 successfully recovered the ball after it crossed the goal line, giving A possession. The penalty for A2 pushing B1 into the ball does not affect the ruling, as it is not mentioned in the question. Therefore, A's offense will have a new set of downs starting at the 15-yard line.

61. If a penalty resulting in a safety occurs on the last timed down of a period, the period is extended.

True

False

3-3-3, 3-3-4

Explanation

3-3-3, 3-3-4

62. The home team shall wear white jerseys.

True

False

1-5-1-3

Explanation

1-5-1-3

63. If A fouls during a successful try, the score is canceled and there is no replay.

True

False

8-3-5a,b

Explanation

8-3-5a,b

64. First touching of a kick by K is ignored if the penalty for a foul during the down is accepted.

True

False

2-12; 6-1-6

Explanation

2-12; 6-1-6

65. If A1 is in his own end zone when he intentionally grounds a forward pass, it is a safety even if B declines the penalty.

True

False

8-5-2c

Explanation

8-5-2c

66. The horse-collar foul is enforced as a dead-ball foul.

True

False

9-4-3k

Explanation

9-4-3k

67. While it is possible to have several running plays during a down, with each one having its own basic spot of enforcement (where the related run ended), there can only be one loose-ball play during a down.

True

False

2-33-2

Explanation

2-33-2

68. If receiver A1 controls the ball in B's end zone, but prior to touching the ground inbounds, A1 brushes the upright, it is a touchdown.

True

False

1-2-5a; 1-2-1

Explanation

1-2-5a; 1-2-1

69. If a drop kick or place kick is used following a safety, it is possible to score a field goal.

True

False

8-4-2b, Fund V-1

Explanation

8-4-2b, Fund V-1

70. The enforcement spot for any foul by the defense is the goal line when the run ends in the end zone and would result in a safety.

True

False

10-4-7; 10-5-2

Explanation

10-4-7; 10-5-2

71. The penalty for a receiver who advances a ball after a valid or invalid fair-catch signal has been given by any R player is:

5-yard penalty

10-yard penalty

15-yard penalty

None of the above

6-1 Pen P 53; 6-1-4

Explanation

6-1 Pen P 53; 6-1-4

72. The penalty for an illegal forward pass from beyond the neutral zone is:

5-yard penalty and loss of down

10-yard penalty and loss of down

15-yard penalty and loss of down

None of the above

Table 7-5-2 pg. 60

Explanation

Table 7-5-2 pg. 60

73. If A1 clips B1 and the coach of Team B enters the field during the down to protest an apparent foul that was not called, it is a double foul.

True

False

2-16-2b

Explanation

2-16-2b

74. It is encroachment if the snapper assumes position over the ball with his head in the neutral zone.

True

False

7-1-1, 7-1-5

Explanation

7-1-1, 7-1-5

75. If K1's field-goal attempt deflects off K2's shoulder while he is in the expanded neutral zone, no goal is scored even if the ball passes between the uprights and above the crossbar.

True

False

8-4-1b

Explanation

8-4-1b

76. Helping the runner carries a 15-yard penalty.

True

False

9-1 Pen

Explanation

9-1 Pen

77. The penalty for an unsportsmanlike foul is enforced from the spot of the foul.

True

False

10-4-5

Explanation

10-4-5

78. If a loose ball touches a game official who is straddling the sideline, the ball is not out of bounds.

True

False

2-29-3

Explanation

2-29-3

79. After a field goal, the opponent of the scoring team shall designate which team will kick off.

True

False

8-4-2

Explanation

8-4-2

80. A football shall have a continuous 1-inch white or yellow stripe centered 3 to 3 1/4 inches from each end of the ball and can have decorations or logos added during or after production.

True

False

1-3-1c

Explanation

1-3-1c

81. Supplementary equipment to aid in game administration may be used if authorized by the referee.

True

False

1-3-7

Explanation

1-3-7

82. Spearing is an act by a defensive player who initiates contact with a ball carrier with the front of his helmet.

True

False

2-20-1c

Explanation

2-20-1c

83. It is possible to have more than one spot of first touching during a scrimmage kick.

True

False

6-2-5

Explanation

6-2-5

84. If there was an inadvertent whistle during the last timed down of the period, the period is not extended by an untimed down.

True

False

3-3-3c

Explanation

3-3-3c

85. A period must be extended by an untimed down if, during the last timed down of the period, there was a double foul.

True

False

3-3-3b

Explanation

3-3-3b

86. The referee may correct an obvious timing error after a period has officially ended, if discovery is prior to the second live ball following the error.

True

False

3-4-7

Explanation

3-4-7

87. A punt may be used for the free kick on a kickoff.

True

False

6-1-2; 2-24-5

Explanation

6-1-2; 2-24-5

88. K2 punts from the 50-yard line. The punt crosses the neutral zone, bounces at R's 45-yard line and then rebounds back to K's 48-yard line where R4 recovers. Prior to the end of the kick, R6 clips K11 at R's 40-yard line. What is the ruling?

Following penalty administration, it is R’s ball first and 10 at R’s 40-yard line

Following penalty administration, it is R’s ball first and 10 at R’s 37-yard line

Following penalty administration, it is R’s ball first and 10 at R’s 35-yard line

Following penalty administration, it is R’s ball first and 10 at R’s 25-yard line

2-16-2h; 10.4.3 Sit D

Explanation

2-16-2h; 10.4.3 Sit D

89. Nonplayer and unsportsmanlike fouls are not considered when determining if a period ends or must be extended.

True

False

3-3-4b

Explanation

3-3-4b

90. It is a safety if A1's fumble is declared dead in B's end zone other than from an inadvertent whistle and no player of either team is in possession.

True

False

8-2-1c

Explanation

8-2-1c

91. It is a fair catch when R1 gives a valid signal and R2 catches the scrimmage kick beyond the neutral zone.

True

False

6-5-3

Explanation

6-5-3

92. A fair catch can be made in or behind the neutral zone.

True

False

2-9-1

Explanation

2-9-1

93. After a safety, unless moved by a penalty, R's free-kick line is K's 30-yard line.

True

False

6-1-1; 8-5-4

Explanation

6-1-1; 8-5-4

94. A pass thrown backward out of bounds to stop the clock is an illegal pass.

True

False

7-4-1, 4-2-2b

Explanation

7-4-1, 4-2-2b

95. Football gloves must meet the NOCSAE test standard starting in 2012.

True

False

1-5-2b

Explanation

1-5-2b

96. If end A1 accidentally goes out of bounds and returns during the down, he becomes an ineligible pass receiver.

True

False

9-6-1,2; 7-5-6a

Explanation

9-6-1,2; 7-5-6a

97. A passer is a player who throws a forward or backward pass.

True

False

2-32-11

Explanation

2-32-11

98. Penalty-marker colored gloves are legal if approved by the umpire.

True

False

1-5-2b, 1-5-4, 1-5-3c

Explanation

1-5-2b, 1-5-4, 1-5-3c

99. If the penalty is accepted for any foul which occurred before change of possession, the kickoff must be repeated.

True

False

6-1-7

Explanation

6-1-7

100. A clock stopped during a period for an official's time-out will start with the ready-for-play signal with the only exception being when a free kick follows.

True

False

3-4-2a

Explanation

3-4-2a