Football Requirements Clarification: Preseason, Regular Season & Postseason

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The Sky Conference has received clarification regarding the footballs that may be used during preseason, regular-season, and KHSAA postseason contests.

PRESEASON / REGULAR SEASON

During preseason scrimmages and regular-season contests, a specific brand of football is not required, provided the football is legal under applicable NFHS playing rules and KHSAA requirements.

Under NFHS Football Rule 1-3, the game ball must meet all required specifications for a legal football, including size, construction, and markings established by the NFHS.

For pregame inspection purposes, the football must also display the NFHS Authenticating Mark as required for balls used in KHSAA competition.

Therefore, during preseason and regular-season play:

• Spalding is permitted
• Wilson is permitted
• Nike or any other manufacturer is permitted

The brand itself does not determine legality during the regular season. The football must meet NFHS specifications and include the NFHS Authenticating Mark.

Officials should inspect all game balls during the normal pregame procedure and confirm compliance with NFHS Rule 1-3.

KHSAA POSTSEASON / PLAYOFFS

The requirement changes once KHSAA postseason play begins.

According to the KHSAA Football Postseason Instructions (Required Ball Type), participating teams shall use a legally approved Spalding-brand football in all playoff games, provided sufficient inventory is available.

The postseason game ball must:

• Be a Spalding-brand football
• Meet all NFHS football rules and specifications
• Display the NFHS Authenticating Mark

There is no requirement for a KHSAA logo on the football.

This requirement applies to all rounds of the KHSAA football playoffs (Rounds 1–4). For state championship games, KHSAA/Spalding provides footballs to participating schools; however, a school may also use another legally approved Spalding football.

QUICK REFERENCE FOR OFFICIALS

PRESEASON / REGULAR SEASON

• Any manufacturer is acceptable
• Must meet NFHS Rule 1-3 requirements
• NFHS Authenticating Mark required
• Spalding is not required

KHSAA POSTSEASON

• Spalding-brand football required (subject to KHSAA inventory provision)
• Must meet NFHS requirements
• NFHS Authenticating Mark required
• KHSAA logo is not required

Officials should continue to inspect game balls as part of their normal pregame responsibilities and address any questions regarding legality prior to kickoff.

Sky Conference Football Officials