Mario Martinez, NMAA Associate Director
(505) 923-3275 (Office)
(505) 977-5383 (Cell)
mmartinez@nmact.org
In the sport of football there are a few changes for the upcoming season as well as some very important reminders for the 2009 season:
- Do not allow athletes to practice or participate without having a current physical, proof of insurance, and a parent permission form.
- Ensure all of your coaches (paid or volunteer) that work with your athletes have “Coaching Licensure” as mandated by the NM Public Education Department.
- Ensure that none of your football players compete in more than 48 minutes of actual playing time in any 5 day period. (7.15.1 E) (Example: Team A has a JV game on Thursday and John plays 32 minutes. Can Johnny dress out and play Friday night in the varsity game? Answer: Yes, but he is limited to 16 minutes of actual playing time.)
- The NFHS Rules concerning tie-breakers should be used in all games between New Mexico schools as well as out-of-state guests, with the results determining the winner. (varsity, sub-varsity, and middle school) (7.15.1 H)
- Lightning Delay Procedures: (Guideline for officials) Due to the geographic makeup of New Mexico and the inability to reschedule contests, the following procedures will be put in place for lightning disturbances or other weather related issues.
- 1. Use the NFHS Rulebook as a guide to implement lightning delay procedures.
- 2. Adhere to the 30 minute rule before resuming play, regardless of the point of interruption (first or second half.)
- 3. Communicate with host school administration, visitor administration (if present) and with head coaches of both teams as conditions or decisions change.
- 4. Attempt to finish contests, if at all possible, once lightning disturbances subside.
- 5. Contests can be delayed up to two hours using the 30 minute rule.
- 6. After a two hour delay, it is ultimately the responsibility of the game officials in communication with the host site administration as to whether to suspend the contest or extend the delay additionally.
- 7. Officials should contact the NMAA Director of Football or the Commissioner of Officials for clarification if needed.
- Note: These procedures are for varsity contests only. Sub-varsity contests or junior high contests are at the discretion of the game officials and host site administration.
- Tie Breaking Procedures for District Placement (Please review from Section 7 in the NMAA Handbook as to avoid confusion).
- Seeding and Selection and Post-Season Information.
- Class 3A-5A
- The Seeding and Selection process remains the same as last year with district champions automatically qualifying and the remainder of the field of 12 being at-large selections.
- Class AA
- Champions and Runner-ups automatically advance to the playoffs with four at large selections to form a field of 12.
- Class A
- Two Districts with a 6-team playoff format. District teams in this class can play eachother in the first round because of the 6-team format. (See Section 7- Football Bylaws).
- Eight Man
- There are only fourteen teams playing this year because Pine Hill no
longer plays football and Dora will be playing 6-man football on an independent basis. District Champions and Runner-ups advance to the playoffs and teams are seeded 1-8.
- There are only fourteen teams playing this year because Pine Hill no
- Six Man
- One more week has been added to the season to allow for easier scheduling. Semis will be on Week #19 and Championships on Week #20. District Champions host Runner-ups in the semis with the winners playing in the finals.
- One more week has been added to the season to allow for easier scheduling. Semis will be on Week #19 and Championships on Week #20. District Champions host Runner-ups in the semis with the winners playing in the finals.
- Class 3A-5A
- Other Important Points:
- Teams must use a “Wilson Football” in all playoff games. Officials will be instructed not to allow playoff games to continue without a “Wilson Football.”
- The process for selecting officials for playoff games will remain the same as last year. An official cannot call the same team two consecutive weeks.
- Section 7 of the NMAA Handbook will clarify additional questions.
If you should have any additional questions or concerns regarding football, please do not hestitate to contact me at 505.923.3275 or 505.977.5383.
Thank you!
| PROCEED TO UNIT II |
