High school football games usually last between 2 and 3 hours. While there are only 48 minutes of actual playtime, the clock stops for things like time outs, incomplete passes, penalties, and when a player goes out of bounds. While the clock stops for a short time period, there are so many stoppages that they really add up. Additionally, injuries may cause extended delays as everyone makes sure that the player is okay and off the field before resuming the game. A high school football game can also be a lot longer if it is a high scoring game, since there will be more celebrations, field goals, and kick offs. Special events like homecoming ceremonies, spirit week, or senior night recognitions may extend the duration of halftime, making the game run even longer.
How Long is Halftime in High School Football?
Halftime in high school football is usually 20 minutes long. During this time, both teams will go to their locker rooms to rehydrate, rest, and plan for the second half. While the team is in the locker room, there is usually some sort of half time show by the marching band or cheer leading squad.
Different school districts might have slightly shorter or longer halftimes. If there are special events, halftime can be extended to 25 or 30 minutes.
How Long is a High School Football Quarter?
High school football quarters are 12 minutes long. This is governed by the NFHS which established the rules for high school football in the United States. The 12-minute quarters in high school football are 3 minutes shorter than the 15-minute quarters in college and professional football.
How Long Does Overtime Last in High School Football?
Overtime in high school football doesn’t have a set time limit like the regular game, but it is usually pretty short. Instead of time, it uses something called a “Kansas Playoff” format. Each team gets one possession starting at the opponent’s 10-yard line, and they take turns trying to score. If the score is still tied after both teams have had a chance, they play another round. This continues until there’s a winner. If both teams keep scoring, overtime could last a long time, but it is usually only a couple of possessions.
What Factors Impact the Length of a High School Football Game?
Several factors can affect how long a high school football game lasts. One of the most common delays is timeouts. Each team is allowed three timeouts per half, and they often use them to plan an important play, stop the clock, or give their players a quick break. If neither team uses their timeouts, the game will be much shorter than if both teams use all of their timeouts.
Injuries can also slow the game down. If a player gets hurt, the clock stops and medical staff will come onto the field to help. Since football is such a physical sport, injuries are quite common. Many times, the injured player does not come back into the game and they must be replaced by a substitute.
Other plays that stop the clock include when the ball goes out of bounds or when a pass is incomplete. These moments may only last a few seconds each, but they can add up quickly. When a team scores, the game pauses for extra point attempts or kickoff, and that takes time too. Each time the ball changes possession such as after a punt or turnover. There is also a short break while teams switch sides and officials reset the game. Referees might stop the game to measure for a first down or to discuss and call penalties, which adds even more time. All of these small moments can stretch a football game well past two hours, depending on how often they happen.
Differences between Varsity and Junior Varsity Football Games
Junior varsity (JV) football is usually shorter than varsity football in a few key ways. JV games often have shorter quarters that are 8 or 10 minutes long instead of the 12-minute quarters in varsity. This helps keep the games shorter which is good since JV players are younger and still developing their skills and stamina. That being said, JV games are usually around 90 minutes long, which is about an hour shorter than varsity games.