​With fall sports just under a month away, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has implemented several rule updates and clarifications for spectators and participants to know. Some changes introduce new rules, while others clarify existing ones.
Football: A few adjustments were made for the 2026 high school football season. First, play cards may now be worn on the forearm or wrist as well as the belt area of the body. Second, no player may use a hand to slap an opponent’s head, addressing a safety concern for athletes.
Cross Country: Rule 4-6-5 now allows an appropriate health care professional, designated by the games committee, to evaluate a downed competitor on the course without resulting in disqualification, provided no assistance is given in progressing along the course. This prioritizes athlete safety by permitting on-course evaluation while preserving the competition’s integrity.
Soccer: There were several fall updates in soccer. The home team must wear dark socks during the game, and the two teams must wear colors that distinguish them; only the visiting team may wear white socks. New Rule 4-2-7d and e provide guidance on appropriate mouthguard elements, emphasizing protection of the teeth, mouth, and lips, with added items not allowed to be incorporated into the protector. New Rules 4-2-11a through c prohibit players from wearing any audio or video devices to record, transmit, or live stream while participating in a match, and the use of electronic communication devices on the field remains prohibited; state associations may impose further restrictions as they see fit.
Those watching the World Cup this summer will recognize the changes reflected in Rule 5-3-1f-j, which updates terminology by referring to yellow cards as “cautioned” and red cards as “ejected.” Any player shown a card, whether yellow or red, must leave the field, and officials are responsible for directing that process. Additional clarifications include when a kickoff should be retaken (due to improper player positioning) and the rule that a goalkeeper in possession of the ball cannot be challenged. The keeper’s possession time has been extended from six seconds to eight seconds, with the result of a corner kick instead of a free kick. Biting has been added to direct free kick fouls, while verbal offenses are categorized as indirect free kick fouls. Encroachment by a goalkeeper on a penalty kick (entering the restricted area early) will now receive a warning for the first offense rather than a caution.
Volleyball: Volleyball rules also feature several updates. Notably, the Libero uniform bottoms may be adjusted for better continuity and clarity in competition.