RAOA Minnesota
Football
Rules, mechanics, training videos, and development resources for football officials.
Official Development
Football Position Trainers
RAOA position trainers are available to help football officials grow within their specific position. They can review game film with you, answer mechanics and positioning questions, discuss play situations, and provide other guidance specific to your officiating group.
Core Resources
Rules & Mechanics
Key documents, updates, and football mechanics resources for RAOA officials.
Primary Documents
- Prohibition on Slapping the Head
- 2026 NFHS Football Rules Press Release
- Football Uniform Requirements
- MSHSL Football Pregame Protocol
- Minnesota Overtime Rules
- Mercy Rule Timing Table
- Mechanics Adjustments for 4-Person Crew
- Mechanics Adjustments for 3-Person Crew
- 2026 Under Varsity Timing Special Rules
- 2026-2027 MSHSL Football MN Rules Modifications
Training Videos
Training clips and recommended football officiating video resources.
RAOA / MSHSL Training
Other Training Videos
Helpful Tools
The Good Stuff
Handy links, crew tools, and football officiating reminders.
Crew Tools
Helpful Information
When in Doubt...
When in question as to whether an action is a false start or illegal motion/shift, it is a false start.
When in question, formation is legal.
When in question, the runner fumbled the ball and was not down.
When in question, the passer fumbled the ball and it was not an incomplete pass.
When in question on a safety related foul, it is a foul.
When in question on a non-safety related foul, it is not a foul.
When in doubt, the passer is out of the free blocking zone.
On a turnover or kick play, when in doubt touchdown or goal line, make it a touchback.
When in question, it is not a touchdown.
When in question, it is not a safety.
Next Steps
Training Opportunities
Nothing live right now. Check back in the spring of 2026.