News Summary

The Ohio High School Athletic Association has approved a new rule allowing year-round 7-on-7 football competitions for high school athletes. This change enables players to sharpen their skills without having to wait until summer, fostering a competitive environment that emphasizes skill development. The rule, along with the launch of the Ohio 7on7 Collective organization, showcases local talent and creates opportunities for participation in national tournaments. Coaches and players are excited about this new chapter in high school football, leading to enhanced training and exposure.

Exciting Changes for Ohio High School Football: Get Ready for Year-Round 7-on-7 Action!

In a game-changing move for high school athletes, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has unveiled a new rule that opens the doors to year-round 7-on-7 football competition. This highly anticipated update, approved on April 5, 2024, is set to revolutionize the way players sharpen their skills and prepare for the upcoming football seasons across the Buckeye State.

What’s New?

Previously, high schoolers had to wait until May 15 each year to engage in 7-on-7 competitions. But with the new rule, athletes can now compete at any time of the year, except for a 28-day no-contact period that follows the end of the season. That’s right! No more waiting around for the summer to roll in—athletes can hit the field whenever they feel ready to showcase their talents.

The Focus on Skill

This fun yet competitive format emphasizes skill-position players, giving quarterbacks, wide receivers, and defensive players a perfect setting to enhance their talents without the risk of tackling involved. Instead, matches are played with a mix of one-touch or two-hand touch rules on a shorter field, mimicking real game scenarios while offering a safe environment to develop game-time skills.

The Ohio 7on7 Collective: A New Era of Football Clubs

Ohio 7on7 Collective (O7C) was born. This exciting organization aims to create teams that will compete in various national and regional tournaments while supporting coaches in starting their own 7-on-7 clubs. It’s all about bringing athletes together and nurturing talent across Ohio.

Coaches from well-known schools, including Harrison, Middletown, and Lakota East, are eagerly working to establish their own clubs under the O7C banner. With experienced mentors leading the charge, aspiring players have a bright future ahead!

Meet the Players and Coaches Involved

The O7C is not just a casual gathering—some big names are putting their heart into this initiative. Players like Landen Miree, a four-star tight end, and R.J. Day, the son of Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, are already making waves by representing the national team. Other budding stars, such as Ryder Hooks and Derek Uran, are also putting in hard work to shine on the field.

The Southwest Region team is gathering players from various schools, including Aiken, Badin, and Harrison. By recruiting local talent, the O7C is creating a dynamic environment for teams to thrive.

Competing on a Bigger Stage

Recently, the national team competed in a Pylon 7-on-7 event in Chicago, showcasing their skills by reaching the quarterfinals. Not to be outdone, the Southwest Region team brought home a commendable second place. This is just the beginning, as the national team has plans to head to Las Vegas and participate in tournaments in cities such as Atlanta, Orlando, and Pittsburgh.

Looking Ahead: Exciting Announcements Await!

Fans of Ohio high school football have much to look forward to! The O7C is expected to make a big announcement soon regarding potential national television exposure for local athletes. It’s the perfect chance for Ohio’s young talent to shine on a larger platform, showcasing their skills to scouts and fans alike!

Rules and Regulations for Players

The OHSAA’s new rules also stipulate that, before May 15, a maximum of seven players from the same team can participate in 7-on-7 events. After this date, the doors open wide with no limits on participation! This flexibility allows teams to grow and allows more athletes to take part in the fun.

With exciting tournaments on the horizon and new rules in place to support skill development, Ohio high school football is entering a vibrant era. Get ready to cheer for local players as they take their game to the next level with year-round 7-on-7 football!

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