How is illegal participation enforced?
Rule- USA
- NFHS
- High school
- Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)
- Varsity
- 11-player football
- NFHS rules
- 2026 rules
- Officials
Since the 2025 revision of Rule 9-6 (and deletion of 10-4-4b), all illegal participation fouls are 15 yards, enforced as a live-ball foul from the basic spot.
The committee's aim is consistent enforcement, so a team can never gain an advantage by having a player enter and take part in a play illegally.
Added 21 Oct 2026