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 - 2011-12 Season

First Practice Day (Class AA, A and C-8 Player):  Friday, August 12, 2011
First Practice Day (Class B and C-6 Player):  Monday, August 15, 2011
*First Day for Competition (Class AA, A and C-8 Player):  Friday, August 26, 2011
*First Day for Competition (Class B and C-6 Player):  Thursday, September 1, 2011
Playoffs Begin (Class A, B, C-8 and C-6): Saturday, October 29, 2011
Playoffs Begin (Class AA): Friday, November 4, 2011
State Championship Games: November 18-19, 2011

*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 2011 Football Playoff Game Statistics Summary Form

• MHSA Required Game Script for Post Season Football Games - 80 yard field
• MHSA Required Game Script for Post Season Football Games - Regulation field

• Fluid Replacement - from the 2011 NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook

• Heat Related Illness - from the 2011 NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook

• 2011-12 NFHS Football Casebook Clarifications

• 2011-12 NFHS Football Rules Interpretations

• 2011-12 NFHS Football Rules Changes

• 2011 NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports

• 2011 Football Helmet Reconditioners Press Release
• Link to NAERA members who recondition/recertify football helmets
• 2011-12 NFHS Football Rules Changes - Press Release
• MHSA Pay Schedule for Jamborees

• A Parents Guide to Concussions in Sports - NFHS

• Black Pants ordering information for MO A Football Officials

• MHSA Recommended Game Script - 80 yard field
• MHSA Recommended Game Script - Regulation field
• Signal Chart for Football Officials
• NFHS General Instructions for Football Line-to-Gain Crews and for Football Clock Operators

• NFHS Football Uniform Rule which will be implemented in the 2012 Football Season

• NFHS Football Field Markings - Regulation field
• NFHS Football Field Markings - 8 and 6 player field
• MHSA Approved Ball Suppliers
• Games Wanted / Classified Ads
• Annual Survey of Catastrophic Football Injuries report
• Heat stress and athletic participation
• Reducing Brain and Spinal Injuries in Football and other Athletic Activities
• Heat Stress Flyer

Click here to learn how to become a Football Official

2011 MHSA / MOA Football Rules Clinics are now online.  The Football Rules Clinics must be viewed by all coaches (Head, Assistant and Volunteer) prior to August 26, 2011 for Class AA, A and C8 Player coaches to receive credit and prior to September 1, 2011 for all MOA officials and Class B and C6 Player coaches to receive credit.   Click Here and follow the appropriate links to view this clinic. 

Montana High School Records Book