Safety and reduction of injury has always been a priority of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). In its continued effort to minimize the risk injury in high school football, the NFHS has voted to eliminate clipping in the free-blocking zone (Rule 2-17-3).
This was the most significant of the three rules changes made by the NFHS.
Clipping had been permitted in the free-blocking zone when it met certain conditions. Now, clipping is illegal anywhere on the field at any time. As defined by rule, the free-blocking zone is a rectangular area extending laterally 4 yards either side of the spot of the snap and 3 yards behind each line of scrimmage.
A complete listing of the 2016 rules changes can be found HERE.
