Mississippi High School Activities Association The place for high school sports in Mississippi Related Articles
MHSAA Executive Director Rickey Neaves talks about changes to fall football practice and a multiplier for private schools in the next reclassification period.
Rules Governing Football (page 112) Change item #1 to read, “The football season shall extend from Monday, August 3, 2026 (practice begins), for all classes (1A – 7A), through the first full weekend in December. A scrimmage may be played August 21, 2026 (not before this date) for all classes. The regular season first playing date will be August 27, 2026, for all classes. With the beginning of football practice, the following timeline is in place:
o Week 1: Monday, August 3 through Saturday, August 8, no shoulder pads allowed, 5-panel/pads (hip, tail and thigh pads) girdles can be worn or added. No full-length football pants can be worn, practice pants/old game pants cut into shorts will be allowed. (Note: Girdles do not present an advantage but do help with injury prevention.)
o Week 2: Beginning Monday through Friday, shoulder pads can be worn.
o Week 3: Beginning with Saturday of week 2, after 5 full days of shorts and shoulder pads, full gear practices are allowed. (See 14-day acclimatization on www.misshsaa.com, General, Health and Safety).
