When can I approach the mat or question the referee?

Approaching the mat (7-5-2): only during a charged time-out (injury, blood, recovery, HNC or referee's time-out) or at the end of the match.

Questioning a call: you may ask the referee to come to the scorer's table about a possible misapplication of a rule. If you question the referee's judgment or the application of a rule and the referee doesn't change the call, you're charged with coach misconduct (6-6-6).

At tournaments: two team personnel may sit in the chairs at the edge of the mat (2-2-2).

Coach misconduct consequences were an NFHS point of emphasis for 2025-26.