There are two main rule changes this year that apply to high school football. Veteran official Jeff Shinn has submitted the following explanations, as well as an explanation of the the rule regarding tripping:

Horse Collar Tackle

Rule # 9-4-3.k states “No player or non-player shall grab the inside back or side collar of the shoulder pads or jersey of the runner and subsequently pull the runner to the ground.” That is the definition of a “horse collar tackle”. Merely grabbing the collar is not a foul. (more…)