Ball Mechanics

[ajmc]

Relating to NFHS. A team is allowed to change a ball at the start of a series. After that, the decision when to change a ball is entirely up to the field officials. NO there is no exception for a kicking situation.

Often, the officials will request a "fresh" ball when the field is wet (rain, muddy or even dew) whenever a ball hits the ground, or every down if the conditions dictate but a team is NOT ALLOWED or AUTHORIZED to change the ball, within a series, for ANY reason.

Of course they can ask, but the decision is made entirely by the field officials, usually the Referee. The manner and frequency of when, and under what conditions, a ball may be changed mid-series is something the crew should discuss before the game and all be on the same page.