The football program is the oldest sport sanctioned by the Association. From 1900 to 1921 state champions were recognized but many years there were no title games, just recognition by general proclamation. The Association formed in 1921 and title games were initiated and sponsored by the Montana School of Mines in Butte. Various classification formats had been utilized before the current five levels were established.

Important dates - 2015-16 Season

First Practice Day (All Classes):  Friday, August 14, 2015
*First Day for Competition (All Classes):  Friday, August 28, 2015
Playoffs Begin (Class A, B, C-8 and C-6): Saturday, October 31, 2015
Playoffs Begin (Class AA): November 6-7, 2015
State Championship Games: November 20-21, 2015

*No individual shall play in any association contest until he/she has a minimum of twelve (12) days of football practice and at least one practice session per day on twelve (12) different days (no practice permitted on Sunday), prior to the date of the first allowable game.

The first three days of football practice will be a period of acclimation with no contact and no pads. The only football equipment to be used is shoes and helmets. Non-contact is defined as no student-to-student contact. However, participants may contact dummies/shields held by others.

NFHS and MHSA Rule Information in Football

• 2016-17 MHSA Class C 8 Player Football Divisions
• 2016-17 MHSA Class C 6 Player Football Divisions
• 2015 MHSA And NFHS Changes and Information
• 2015-16 NFHS Football Rule Interpretations
• 2015-16 NFHS Football Rules Changes
• 2015-16 NFHS Football Rules Change Press Release
• 2013 NAERA Press Release - March 2013 about Reconditions Football Helmets
• NFHS Football Uniform Rule
• NFHS Football Field Markings - Regulation field
• NFHS Football Field Markings - 8 and 6 player field
• Football line-to-gain and timers instructions
• 2015 NFHS / MHSA Football Playoff Game Stat Form
• 2014 NFHS Playoff Game Statistics Summary

• 2014 MHSA Participation and Contact limitations in practice changes

Health and Safety issues for Football

• NFHS Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Statement
• Football Helmet Reconditioners Press Release

• NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports

• Link to NAERA members who recondition/recertify football helmets

• A Parents Guide to Concussions in Sports - NFHS

• Reducing Brain and Spinal Injuries in Football and other Athletic Activities
• Annual Survey of Catastrophic Football Injuries report

MOA Officials Information for Football

• Signal Chart for Football Officials
• MHSA Pay Schedule for Jamborees
• NFHS General Instructions for Football Line-to-Gain Crews and for Football Clock Operators

• Black Pants ordering information for MO A Football Officials

Other Information

• MHSA Approved Ball Suppliers
• Games Wanted / Classified Ads

Click here to learn how to become a Football Official

The 2015-16 MHSA / MOA Rules Clinics  are now online.  The Football Rules Clinics must be viewed by all coaches (Head, Assistant and Volunteer) and MOA Officials prior to August 28, 2015 to receive credit. This clinic will remain on-line for the entire season.  Click here and follow the appropriate links to view this clinic.

Montana High School Records Book