"Targeting” Defined in High School Football in Effort to Reduce Risk of Injury

In an effort to reduce contact above the shoulders and lessen the risk of injury in high school football, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee developed a definition for “targeting,” which will be penalized as illegal personal contact.

The definition of targeting and its related penalty were two of 10 rules changes approved by the rules committee at its January 24-26 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Executive Committee Selects Gary Phillips as New GHSA Director

Gary Phillips Approved as New Executive Director

THOMASTON - In a special called meeting of the State Executive Committee, the Georgia High School Association on Wednesday unanimously approved the election of Gary Phillips to replace the retiring Dr. Ralph Swearngin as Executive Director. Phillips, the GHSA assistant executive director since 2001, will assume his new role on July 1, 2014.

GOAA congratulates one of their own officials, Chris Crocker!

Bengals bring back Chris Crocker

Posted by Josh Alper on September 25, 2013, 10:18 AM EDT

The Bengals were dealing with injuries heading into the fourth week of the season in 2012, so they decided to re-sign safety Chris Crocker after releasing him during the offseason.

Crocker wasn’t released by the Bengals this time as his contract expired, but history has otherwise repeated itself. The Bengals announced Wednesday that Crocker has returned to the team for a third tour of duty.

In Memory of Susan Fuller

Susan Fuller

Comments on the 2013 Football Rules Changes

SOLID-COLORED TOWELS NOW LEGAL (1-5-3a(5)a): The committee modified the rule regarding the authorized wearing of a moisture-absorbing towel. Towels that are one solid color may now be worn, as long as they are not the color of the football or penalty flag. The towel cannot have no more than one visible manufacturer’s logo/trademark, which cannot exceed 2 ¼ square inches in any dimension. Towels worn by teammates must be the same color. Previously, the towel could only be white and unmarked.

Special Acknowledgement!

Two of our own, Cecil Gray and Doug Roe, have both been selected to umpire the Elite Eight at the Cooperstown NY Invitational Youth Baseball Tournament.

Doug worked behind the plate on Wednesday, June 12th in the first no hitter this year. He has also been selected as the Crew Chief.

Congratulations guys!

2013 GOAA Officers & Leadership

We are please to announce the Officers and Leadership for the 2013 season.

Additional Rules Approved in High School Football Regarding Helmets Coming Off Players

In an effort to continue minimizing the risk of injury in high school football, three additional rules will take effect next season to address helmets coming off players’ heads during games.