NFHS Press release

[NHS Bob]

A few minor changes - the biggest is that when a forward fumble goes out of bounds, it is now returned to the spot of the fumble.

 

 https://www.nfhs.org/player-equipment-changes-highlight-2025-high-school-football-rules-revisions/

[PinellasFB]

Quote

A new item was added to Rule 1-5-2d regarding a change in arm sleeve specifications. The new language, effective with the 2027 season, states that “arm sleeves, whether attached to a shirt or unattached, manufactured to enhance contact with the football or opponent, must meet the SFIA specification at the time of manufacture. Arm sleeves must have a permanent, exact replica of the SFIA arm sleeve seal (meets SFIA specification), that must be visible and appear legibly on the exterior of the arm sleeve.”

This is bullshit really.  So many kids already have arm sleeves and I'm guessing they don't already have the seal on them?  What is the purpose of this rule?  Arm sleeves aren't dangerous to the player or opponents so why even bother?

[Perspective]

34 minutes ago, PinellasFB said:

This is bullshit really.  So many kids already have arm sleeves and I'm guessing they don't already have the seal on them?  What is the purpose of this rule?  Arm sleeves aren't dangerous to the player or opponents so why even bother?

Based on my reading of the new rule, it appears that they're trying to prevent someone from gaining a competitive advantage from wearing a particular type or brand of sleeve.   To make the point, imagine a sleeve with a built-in tacky or sticky texture (think Jack Tatum-like Stickum).  In theory, that would give one receiver a competitive advantage over another.   In a way, it's kind of like not allowing certain baseball bats because they "overperform."  

[PinellasFB]

47 minutes ago, Perspective said:

Based on my reading of the new rule, it appears that they're trying to prevent someone from gaining a competitive advantage from wearing a particular type or brand of sleeve.   To make the point, imagine a sleeve with a built-in tacky or sticky texture (think Jack Tatum-like Stickum).  In theory, that would give one receiver a competitive advantage over another.   In a way, it's kind of like not allowing certain baseball bats because they "overperform."  

Yeah I dunno about that.  Tacky gloves and tacky sleeves are good for the game, really.  One handed grabs bring attention and social media views.  I opine of course.

[OHS_Kboys]

They will probably have a licensing agreement with a sleeve company. Might be making some money off this rule.