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NFHS Exam Practice Test 2025: Complete Study
Guide with Sample Questions, Answers, and
Explanations for High School Sports Officials and
Coaches
Here are the multiple-choice questions and rationales for the provided answers: Question 1: A defensive player shall not: a. Use his hands to add momentum to the charge of a teammate who is on the line of scrimmage. b. Use his hands or arms to hook, lock, clamp, grasp, encircle or hold in an effort to restrain an opponent other than the runner. c. Contact an eligible receiver who is no longer a potential blocker. d. Any of the above. Correct Answer: d. Any of the above. (Rule 9- 2 - 3) Rationale: Rule 9- 2 - 3 of the football rulebook prohibits all the listed actions by a defensive player. Using hands to add momentum to a teammate's charge is an illegal pushing foul. Hooking, locking, clamping, grasping, encircling, or holding to restrain a non-runner is illegal holding. Contacting an eligible receiver who is no longer a potential blocker is illegal contact. Therefore, any of the above actions would constitute a foul by a defensive player. Question 2: (True/False) The pylon when properly placed on the goal line is out of bounds at the intersection of the sideline and goal-line extended. Correct Answer: True (Rule 1- 2 - 4) Rationale: Rule 1- 2 - 4 states that pylons mark the intersection of the inbounds area with the sideline and goal line. They are considered out of bounds. Therefore, a pylon located at the intersection of the sideline and the extended goal line is indeed out of bounds. Question 3: The enforcement spot for any foul by the defense is the ________________ when the run ends in the end zone and would result in a safety.
a. previous spot b. spot of the foul c. end of the run d. goal line Correct Answer: d. goal line (Rule 10- 5 - 2) Rationale: Rule 10- 5 - 2 specifies the enforcement spot for defensive fouls. When a defensive foul occurs during a running play that ends in the defense's end zone and would have resulted in a safety had there been no foul, the penalty is enforced from the goal line. Question 4: After a team has used its permissible charged time-outs for the half, any subsequent request shall be denied unless it is for: a. An apparently injured player who is so designated when the request is made. b. Necessary repair to player equipment except as in 3- 5 - 10d or 3- 5 - 10e. c. The review of a possible misapplication or misinterpretation of a rule. d. Any of the above. Correct Answer: d. Any of the above. (Rule 3- 5 - 5) Rationale: Rule 3- 5 - 5 outlines the exceptions to denying a time-out request after a team has exhausted its charged time-outs. These exceptions include a time-out for an apparently injured player, necessary equipment repair (with specific exceptions), and the review of a potential rule misapplication or misinterpretation. Therefore, any of the listed reasons would be a valid exception. Question 5: (True/False) It is a safety if A1 retreats into A's end zone and fumbles the ball beyond the end line. Correct Answer: True (Rule 8- 5 - 2a) Rationale: Rule 8- 5 - 2a states that it is a safety if a player of Team A fumbles the ball in their own end zone, and the ball goes out of bounds in their end zone. The initial impetus of the ball into the end zone was provided by Team A's actions. Question 6: (True/False) After the ball goes out of bounds, the clock always starts with the ready-for- play.
(True/False) If a free kick is repeated due to a foul, the clock shall start when the free kick is touched, other than first touching by K. Correct Answer: True (Rule 3- 4 - 3) Rationale: Rule 3- 4 - 3 governs the starting of the clock after various events. When a free kick is repeated due to a foul, the clock starts when the ball is legally touched by a player other than the kicking team on the first touching. Question 12: (True/False) Penalties for dead-ball fouls are enforced separately and in the order in which they occurred. Correct Answer: True (Rule 10- 2 - 5b) Rationale: Rule 10- 2 - 5b clearly states that penalties for dead-ball fouls are administered separately and in the sequence they were committed. Question 13: (True/False) If touching causes the ball to become dead, securing possession of the ball has no significance. Correct Answer: True (Fundamental III-4) Rationale: Fundamental III-4 emphasizes that if touching the ball causes it to become dead by rule (e.g., touching a grounded kickoff in the end zone by the kicking team), the act of subsequently securing possession does not negate the ball being dead at the moment of touching. Question 14: (True/False) The batting of a pass, kick or fumble in flight is not considered a new force for judging whether a touchback or safety results. Correct Answer: True (Rule 2- 13 - 3, 8- 5 - 1) Rationale: Rules 2- 13 - 3 and 8- 5 - 1 clarify that the batting of a ball in flight does not introduce a new force that would change the determination of a touchback or safety. The original impetus of the ball is what determines the outcome. Question 15: (True/False) A football jersey must completely cover the shoulder pads and all pads worn above the waist on the torso. Correct Answer: True (Rule 1- 5 - 1b(1))
Rationale: Rule 1- 5 - 1b(1) specifies the mandatory uniform requirements, including that the jersey must completely cover the shoulder pads and all pads worn above the waist. Question 16: (True/False) An artificial arm may not be worn by any player. Correct Answer: False (Rule 1-7) Rationale: Rule 1-7 addresses equipment for players with prosthetics. It does not prohibit the wearing of an artificial arm but sets specific conditions and restrictions for its use to ensure fair play and safety. Question 17: (True/False) An offensive player cannot commit a spearing foul. Correct Answer: False (Rule 2- 20 - 1c, 9- 4 - 3i) Rationale: Rule 2- 20 - 1c defines spearing as an act by any player. Rule 9- 4 - 3i lists spearing as a personal foul, and this rule applies to all players, both offensive and defensive. Question 18: (True/False) Effective 2021, the jerseys of the home team shall be a dark color that clearly contrasts to white. Correct Answer: True (Rule 1- 5 - 1b(3)) Rationale: Rule 1- 5 - 1b(3) indeed states that, effective in 2021, the jerseys of the home team must be a dark color that provides a clear contrast to white jerseys worn by the visiting team. (T/F) Replaced players shall begin to leave the field within three seconds. - True (Rule 3- 7 - 1) (T/F) 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 (Rule 8- 5 - 3c) (T/F) A handed ball beyond the neutral zone is considered to be a pass. - False (Rule 2- 19 - 1, Fundamental VII-3)
(T/F) No player or nonplayer shall execute a blindside block outside of the free-blocking zone with forceful contact unless initiated with open hands. - True (Rule 9- 4 - 3n) (T/F) The NFHS disapproves of any form of taunting that is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any circumstances. - True (Rule 9- 5 - 1a NOTE, 9- 8 - 1a NOTE) (T/F) If a player is blocked out of bounds by an opponent and returns inbounds, at the first opportunity he/she may legally participate. - True (Rule 9- 6 - 1) (T/F) A scrimmage kick recovered in or behind the neutral zone may not be advanced by K or R. - False (Fundamental VI-2) (T/F) Giving an invalid fair-catch signal carries a 15-yard penalty. - False (Rule 6- 5 - 7 PENALTY) (T/F) An attempt by B to interfere with A's signals prior to the snap is a live-ball foul. - False (Rule 9- 5 - 1d, 9-5 PENALTY) A block against an opponent, other than the runner, who does not see the blocker approaching is: a. Chop Block b. Interlocked Blocking c. Blindside Block d. Spearing - c. Blindside Block (Rule 2- 3 - 10) (T/F) A shift which is designed to cause Team B to encroach is a false start. - True (Rule 7 - 1 - 7b) (T/F) If K1 is first to touch a free kick between the free-kick lines, such touching is ignored. - False (Rule 6- 1 - 7)
(T/F) Illegal participation fouls by the receiving team occurring during the kick are now enforced under post-scrimmage kick fouls. - True (Rule 2- 16 - 2h) (T/F) Following a change of possession, if an inadvertent whistle is sounded, the down must be replayed. - False (Rule 4- 2 - 3b) After a safety, unless moved by a penalty, R's free-kick line is K's 30-yard line. - True (Rule 6- 1 - 1b) (T/F) There is a two-minute intermission following a try, successful field goal or safety and prior to a free kick. - False (Rule 3- 5 - 7l) (T/F) The passer continues to be a defenseless player until the pass ends or the passer moves to participation in the play. - True (Rule 2- 32 - 16a) (T/F) The goal-line pylons may be any color as long as they are the same color. - False (Rule 1- 2 - 4) (T/F) A clock will start with the ready-for-play following a television time-out. - False (Rule 3- 4 - 3f) (T/F) If a double foul occurs during a down in which time expires, the period is ended. - False (Rule 3- 3 - 3b) (T/F) 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 (Rule 8- 5 - 4) (T/F) Decorative markings in the end zone may be within a foot of the goal line. - False (Rule 1- 2 - 3h)
(T/F) Two arms raised full length above the head and waved is an invalid fair-catch signal. - True (Rule 2- 9 - 3, 2- 9 - 4a) (T/F) A player's towel may have a ball-drying product applied to it that will affect the football. - False (Rule 1- 5 - 3a(2)) (T/F) Knee braces can be worn over the pants. - False (Rule 1- 5 - 3b(3)) (T/F) Penalties for dead-ball fouls are enforced separately and in the order which they occurred. - True (Rule 10- 2 - 5b) (T/F) 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 (Rule 8- 5 - 2c) 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 (Rule 3- 1 - 2) (T/F) If both teams commit fouls during the same dead-ball period and the second foul is committed prior to the enforcement of the first foul, it is a double foul. - False (Rule 2- 16 - 2b, 10- 2 - 1, 10- 2 - 4, 10- 2 - 5, FUNDAMENTAL IX- 5 (T/F) Free-kick lines are always 10 yards apart. - False (FUNDAMENTAL V-2, Rule 6- 1 - 1) (T/F) A backward pass is a pass thrown with its initial direction parallel with or toward the runner's end line. - True (Rule 2- 31 - 5) (T/F) If a free kick becomes dead inbounds while opponents are in joint possession, the ball is awarded to K. - False (Rule 6- 1 - 6) (T/F) No single charged time-out shall exceed one minute. - True (Rule 3- 5 - 3)
(T/F) A period may be shortened in any emergency by agreement of the opposing coaches and the referee. - True (Rule 3- 1 - 3) (T/F) The ball may not contain the school name, logo and/or mascot. - False (Rule 1- 3 - 1h) The top of the crossbar on the goal post shall be ____________ above the ground, measured from the base of each upright to the top of the crossbar at the intersection, or at each end of the crossbar perpendicular to the ground when a single pedestal is used. a. 8 feet b. 10 feet c. 12 feet d. 14 feet - 10 feet (Rule 1- 2 - 5b) (T/F) A place-kick following an awarded fair catch may score a field goal. - True (T/F) The penalty for a chop block is 5 yards. - False (T/F) Forward pass interference can occur behind, in or beyond the neutral zone. - False (T/F) Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until cleared by the head coach. - False (T/F) Touching of a low scrimmage kick by any player is ignored if it occurs in or behind the expanded neutral zone. - True (T/F) If a player refuses to comply with a game official's directive, the player will be disqualified. - False
B. Call a captain(s) and the head coach from each team together for a prematch conference by sounding a double whistle and raising a coin in the air. C. Establish non playable areas and define any additional ground rules which may be necessary. D. All are correct. - - correct ans- - D. All are correct. True or False: The written lineup shall not be changed except between sets of a math (no later than one minute remaining in the timed interval or intermission when used), for a legal substitution prior to the start of the set, or to replace a starting player who is injured/ill prior to the start of the set. - - correct ans- - True After the first referee's signal to serve, a re-serve occurs when the server: A. Drops the ball and then serves it as it bounces off the floor. B. Allows the tossed ball to drop to the ground without it being touched. C. Swings, misses and the ball contacts his/her shoulder. D. Tosses the ball and it contacts a backboard or it's supports hanging in a vertical position over the service area. - - correct ans- - B. Allows the tossed ball to drop to the ground without it being touched. True or False: The first referee may utilize a team's video recording device to review a decision when requested to do so by the head coach. - - correct ans- - False True or False: A back-row player (on or in front of the attack line) may contact the ball completely above the height of the net and complete an attack. - - correct ans- - False It is a net fault when: A. A player's loose uniform touches the net. B. A player contacts the net when he/she is not involved in the play. C. A player contacts the antenna after attacking the ball but before the ball is played or becomes dead. D. All are net faults - - correct ans- - D. All are net faults
True or False: The only time a player can substitute into the set is when a head coach signals for a substitution. - - correct ans- - False A substitution is legal when: A. The sub is not listed on the roster but is listed on the lineup. B. The sub enters the set not in the original position in the serving order as recorded on the scoresheet. C. It is a team's 19th substitution. D. The sub enters the set at the end of a time-out after the teams have returned to the court following the legal substitution procedure. - - correct ans- - D. The sub enters the set at the end of a time-out after the teams have returned to the court following the legal substitution procedure. If using an intermission in a match that is the best three-of-five sets, it shall: A. Be nice longer than 7 minutes. B. Be scheduled for only a promotional or special recognition activity. C. Occur between set #3 and 4. D. Be agreed upon by the host team, visiting team and officials before it can be used. - - correct ans- - B. Be scheduled for only a promotional or special recognition activity. True or False: For a team requesting a time-out in a set after it has taken its allotted time-outs, unnecessary delay shall be assessed. - - correct ans- - True The numbers in the uniform top shall be: A. Not more than two digits B. Semi-permanent to allow change of number(s) for a player. C. Located only in the back of the uniform top. D. Placed so the top of the number on the front of the uniform is no more than 2 inches down from from the shoulder seam. - - correct ans- - A. Not more than two digits
A potential screen exists, but is not limited to: A. Player(s) on the serving waving arms, jumping, moving sideways or standing close to the server, and the ball is served over the player(s). B. Players on serving team taking action to prevent opponents from seeing path of served ball. C. When a group of two or more players on the serving team stand close together, and the ball is served directly over them and in a low trajectory. D. All are correct. - - correct ans- - D. All are correct. During the set, the libero tracker shall: A. Notify the second referee if the libero does not remain out of the set for one rally between replacements, unless the libero is replacing the player in the right back position and will serve the next rally. B. Inform the second referee of each team's libero status at the beginning of each time- out. C. Notify the scorer to sound the audio device at the time the ball is contacted for the serve when there is an illegal replacement. D. All are correct. - - correct ans- - D. All are correct. True or False: Any cards issued for unsporting conduct prior to the first set or between sets shall be administered at the beginning of the set immediately following the violation. - - correct ans- - True Unsporting conduct forfeit results when: A. A disqualified individual violates conduct rules following disqualification. B. Coach is disqualified and removed from premises and no other authorized school personnel is available to take the bench. C. Team refuses to play when directed to do so by the first referee. D. All are correct. - - correct ans- - D. All are correct.
An attack line shall be drawn across each playing area from sideline to sideline and shall be: A. A solid color. B. One clearly visible color. C. 2 inches (5 centimeters) wide. D. All are correct. - - correct ans- - D. All are correct. True or False: One of the second referee's specific responsibilities during a time-out is to whistle a warning at 45 seconds and instruct the timer to sound the audio signal at 60 seconds to end the time-out. - - correct ans- - True Once a replay is signaled by the first referee, the following requests may be recognized: A. Time-out B. Service order C. Both a time-out and service order. D. None are correct. - - correct ans- - D. None are correct True or False: The visiting team shall call both the pre-match coin toss and the deciding set coin toss, if necessary. - - correct ans- - False True or False: The winner of the pre-match coin toss selects its team bench. - - correct ans- - False True or False: A match shall be forfeited when there is a power failure or when other unforeseen circumstances occur. - - correct ans- - False (The match is suspended, not forfeited) True or False: Players shall not wear body paint or glitter on their face, hair, uniform, or body. - - correct ans- - True
B. A lineup card. C. A set of red and yellow cards, pen/pencil. D. All are correct. - - correct ans- - D. All are correct. The first referee has the responsibility to: A. Inspect the game ball. B. Inspect the court markings. C. Establish non-playable areas and additional ground rules. D. All are correct. - - correct ans- - D. All are correct. The second referee has the responsibility to: A. Conduct the pre-match conference. B. Conduct the deciding set coin toss in front of the referee's stand. C. Verify that the starting lineups have been entered correctly on the official scoresheet. D. All are the second referee responsibilities. - - correct ans- - C. Verify that the starting lineups have been entered correctly on the official scoresheet. True or False: The second referee has the responsibility to determine -- and then notify -
- the first referee of unsporting conduct violations by players, coaches, or other team personnel. - - correct ans- - True Which of the following is not a responsibility of the second referee? A. Determining alignment of players on the receiving team at the moment of contact of the serve. B. Determining hand/foot faults at the center line. C. Controlling the entry of substitutes onto the playing area. D. Watch for foot faults on the server. - - correct ans- - D. Watch for foot faults on the server.
A line judge shall: A. Hold the same position relative to the court throughout the match. B. Assist in making illegal alignment calls. C. Stand at the center of the end line during time-outs. D. Signal when a back-row player makes an illegal play at the net. - - correct ans- - A. Hold the same position relative to the court throughout the match. True or False: At the moment of contact of the serve, the center front may have a foot on but not over the center line. - - correct ans- - True The server shall: A. Serve within the serving area. B. Not touch the end line or floor outside the lines marking the width of serving area at the moment of serve. C. Serve within 5 seconds of the first referee's whistle to serve. D. All are correct. - - correct ans- - D. All are correct. True or False: A tossed ball that contacts a backboard or its supports hanging in a vertical position over the serving area is a service fault and not eligible for a re-serve. - - correct ans- - True For a deciding set, the first serve is determined by: A. A coin toss. B. The visiting team. C. The second referee. D. Mutual agreement between head coaches. - - correct ans- - A. A coin toss. The following applies to court protocol of electronic devices during the match: A. A team may use electronic devices during the match.
