Chewing Gum

[bard]

Please tell me under what NFHS or NCAA rule that gives the officials the authority to tell players that they cannot chew gum while playing?

I think it's pretty straight forward from some officials, Mark. This falls under Safety Concerns, 3-7. While 3-7 specifies hair and fingernails, it clearly does not rule out gum.

Although, personally, I have no problem with gum if it stays in the mouth!