1-5-2c: New football glove/hand pad standard implemented for the 2012 season.

1-5-3a: Restrictions removed on penalty-marker colored pads or gloves.

1-5-3b1, 2, Note 3: Illegal player equipment rule clarified.

3-1-2; 1-7: Point differential rule modified for member state associations.

3-2-2: Coin toss provisions revised.

3-5-10b: Concussion rule revised.

3-7-1: Replaced players – replacement timeframe clarified.

8-2-2; 8-2-3; 8-2-4 (NEW); 8-2-5; 10-4-5; 10-5-1f; 2-41-10: Penalty options for fouls on scoring plays expanded to include scoring team fouls.

9-4-3k: Horse-collar clarified.

9-4-8 (NEW): Penalty defined for unintentional contact between a nonplayer and an official in the restricted area.

Nine-, Eight- and Six-player Rules: Field markings in nine-, eight- and six-player rule differences adjusted.
 

Editorial and Other Changes 

1-2-3b NOTES 2; 1-2-3e, Notes; 1-2-4; Table 1-3-1; 1-4-2, Figure j; 1-5-1, 2, 3; Table 1-7; 2-6-2b; 2-9-3, 2-10-3; 2-11; 2-16-2b, e; 2-26-4; 2-30; 2-32-10; 2-41-4, 8; 3-3-2; 3-3-4b 2, 4; 3-7 Penalty; 4-1-4; 4-2-2g; 4-3-2, 3, 4, 5 6; 5-1-2b; 6-1-2, 4; 6-2-1, 2; 6-5-4, 5; 7-3-2; 7-5-7, 8, 9; 8-3-1, 8; 9-6-1; 9-6-3; 9-6-4a, d; FUNDAMENTALS – II-5; IV-2; X-4; Resolving Tied Games - 3.1.1; 5-1-1; NINE-, EIGHT- AND SIX-PLAYER DIFFERENCES – NOTE; OFFICIAL FOOTBALL SIGNALS – 45; PENALTY SUMMARY – 10, 23 (NEW).

Points of Emphasis 

 1. Concussion Recognition and Management
 2. Heat Illness and Hydration
 3. Illegal Helmet Contact
 4. Assisting the Runner
 5. Sportsmanship and Public Address Announcers
 6. NFHS Football Officials Manual