[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

NFHS Rules do not automatically classify Taunting as a FTF but it is at least a TF.

4-18: Fighting is a flagrant act and can occur when the ball is dead or live.
Fighting includes, but is not limited to combative acts such as:
ART. 1 An attempt to strike, punch or kick by using a fist, hands, arms,
legs or feet regardless of whether contact is made.
ART. 2 An attempt to instigate a fight by committing an unsporting act
that causes a person to retaliate by fighting.

Sidebar question: "Retaliate by fighting". Must the retaliation be physical, or can it be a retaliatory taunt, to be considered part of a fight?

10-4-6 A player shall not: Commit an unsporting foul. This includes, but is not limited to,
acts or conduct such as:
a. Disrespectfully addressing or contacting an official or gesturing in
such a manner as to indicate resentment.
b. Using profane or inappropriate language or obscene gestures.
c. Baiting or taunting an opponent.
NOTE: The NFHS disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended
or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any
circumstances.

Mark T. DeNucci, Sr. is correct (for a change), by NFHS rule, the taunt only becomes part of a fight if there is retaliation.

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

... even he did not know the MichiganHSAA rule.

I'm sure that some states are better than others, but many states that add "rules" not in the NFHS rulebook fail to understand the ramifications and unintended consequences of such additions.