11/06/25- Additional Reminder about Weather Shortened and Interrupted Football Games

November 7, 2025 Football Blog Updates

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While no one (apparently even professionals) can ever accurately predict the weather, we are again sending this notice from September 5 about interrupted games just in case.

The only difference now is that we obviously have a hard deadline of this weekend to complete this round of playoffs.

RESCHEDULING GAMES

• If your game is rescheduled, it is critical that you submit a revised FB106 form with the new information.
• We will continue to manage all brackets and information within KHSAA360 (ArbiterSports) and our bracket system once you complete the form.
• DO NOT CHANGE the information on your own KHSAA360 (ArbiterSports page) as it is important to keep all versions of the schedule and brackets in sync.

INTERRUPTED GAMES

Interrupted games are not a new phenomenon and have a well-defined procedure in football, which has remained unchanged for several years. The only items mentioned in this summary are those relevant to the postseason, as postponing to a later point in the season is no longer an option.

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Within the NFHS football playing rules, in an emergency such as inclement weather where advisories are issued against travel or to seek shelter, teams can mutually agree to shorten any remaining period or terminate the game at any point after it has begun. If such termination is mutually agreed upon, the game shall be recorded as the current score, and it cannot be rescheduled.

Probably the main point to keep in mind is that All involved shall remember that this situation is caused by elements such as weather that are uncontrollable by anyone, and keep the discussions in that perspective.

• No contest may begin after 11 p.m. if it has not yet started.
• The KHSAA lightning provisions are in place for all contests, regular or postseason.
• According to the NFHS playing rules, there is no such thing as a “no-contest.” So if the contest begins, the interrupted game procedure is in place.
• Per NFHS Playing Rule 3-1-4, as KHSAA has the authority to determine the procedure for a game ending, and this procedure is adopted in accordance with that rule.
• If a game is interrupted, the following options exist-
  • Mutually agree to terminate the game with the score as it exists if mutually agreed by both teams;
  • Mutually agree to resume the game at the point of interruption on a specific mutually agreed date and time (for playoffs, this is the Sunday of the playoff week), a decision that shall be finalized at the site prior to the teams’ departure from the facility.
  • If neither (a) nor (b) is mutually agreed to, the teams shall resume the game on the following calendar day.
• With respect to the game officials, if a game is interrupted.
  • The same crew of officials is expected to return to complete the contest but can be replaced by the assigner in the event of conflict.
  • Substitute officials shall be paid the postseason state mileage add-on only
  • Officials have no say in the postponement rescheduling decisions, except to moderate discussion, but should be involved at all times in those discussions.
  • Officials and coaches should involve not only coaches, but also school administrators in the decision.
• All involved shall remember that this situation is caused by elements such as weather that are uncontrollable by anyone, and keep the discussions in that perspective.

Best of luck this weekend.

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