COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN) – Seven-on-seven football competitions are now allowed anytime before or after the football season, except during the 28-day no-contact period, according to a release from the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Right after the season.
The OHSAA Board of Directors unanimously approved the change earlier this week.
Previously, 7-on-7 competition was not allowed until May 15th.
Football, previously subject to separate and more restrictive offseason rules, is now under the same offseason rules as other team sports.
Full practice and hitting during 7-on-7 play is still not allowed, and the only equipment allowed is helmets and cleats.
7-on-7 soccer does not include five inside linemen and uses flagging or touching the ball carrier rather than a tackle to end a play.
The change is effective immediately and student-athletes who competed in 7-on-7 competition this winter will not be subject to penalties.
“We've been talking about a 7-on-7 regulation for soccer for a while, but we believe that soccer should be treated like any other team sport, and that basically soccer players should be given the same treatment as their peers in other team sports. “I think we should give them a chance,” he said. Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director; “Most other states already allow it, so there are more situations in which Ohio student-athletes are forced to miss out on winter and spring opportunities due to state regulations. Hitting is still allowed during the offseason. “However, we would like to emphasize that this change will expand what football players can do outside of the season.”
The change allowed up to seven soccer players from the same school's team to play together in a 7-on-7 game prior to May 15, according to an OHSAA release.
Additionally, there is no limit to the number of 7-on-7 competitions a player or coach can participate in.
There are no changes to the current regulations after May 15, and there is no limit to the number of players from the same school team who can compete together in 7-on-7 competition.
The OHSAA also emphasized that 13 days of coaching beyond the seven-player limit will be allowed from May 15 to July 31.
During this time, contact and use of equipment other than helmets and cleats will continue to be prohibited.
