What rule changes are new for the 2026 high school season?

Q: What rule changes are new for the 2026 high school season?

The NFHS approved three changes for the 2026 season: Mouth guards (Rule 1-6-1): tooth and mouth protectors may not have non-functional or unsafe attachments. Substitutions before a penalty corner (Rule 4-4-3): allowed only for an ill, injured, suspended or disqualified defending goalkeeper, who must be replaced by a properly equipped goalkeeper. Attacker entering the circle early on a penalty corner (Rule 10-3-3): the inserter must now go beyond the center line. High school field hockey in the US is played under NFHS rules, but state associations can add their own requirements on top. For example, the NFHS notes that a state association or school can still require goggles.

Question

Accepted Answer

The NFHS approved three changes for the 2026 season:

Mouth guards (Rule 1-6-1): tooth and mouth protectors may not have non-functional or unsafe attachments.
Substitutions before a penalty corner (Rule 4-4-3): allowed only for an ill, injured, suspended or disqualified defending goalkeeper, who must be replaced by a properly equipped goalkeeper.
Attacker entering the circle early on a penalty corner (Rule 10-3-3): the inserter must now go beyond the center line.

High school field hockey in the US is played under NFHS rules, but state associations can add their own requirements on top. For example, the NFHS notes that a state association or school can still require goggles.