What is the effect if the ground rules are stated differently than the official NFHS rules?

When ground rules are stated differently than the official NFHS rules, the official NFHS rules take precedence. This is crucial because the NFHS rules provide standardized regulations that ensure consistency and fairness in competition across all levels. The organizations that govern the sport prioritize these uniform rules to maintain a level playing field.

If ground rules were allowed to override official rules, it could lead to confusion and inconsistencies in how the game is played, depending on location or specific interpretations by different teams or venues. Therefore, to uphold the integrity of the sport, NFHS rules are regarded as the ultimate authority in situations of conflict.

While there are instances where local ground rules can clarify specific situations or conditions of a particular field, those local adaptations cannot contradict the established NFHS guidelines. This ensures that all participants are competing under the same foundational framework, which is essential for fairness in competition.