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We here in Massachusetts were required to enforce the mouthguard usage starting last season. I hope one actually saves a kid from a major head injury or jaw surgery, because they sure are a pain in the neck. One advantage is that the kids are quieter, but they are also more slobbery (as is the ball) and chew on the things and drop them, etc. I would make them optional if I had a choice.
Also, we referees who officiate from IAABO Boards (most of the boards in the state) have abandoned the NFHS mechanic of going to the far lower blocks on time outs (60 seconds which is all we have). We have gone to the "old" way where one ref is at the throw-in spot, and the other is on the edge of the center circle, table side. The rationale is that no one (coaches) knew where the throw-in was going to be when we were standing on those far away blocks. This works much better.
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