2024 Football Postseason

Manuals provide the most up to date policies, rules, and regulations for Iowa High School Athletic Association sports in the regular season and postseason. Member school athletic directors and head coaches seeking more information or clarifications on the contents of this manual should contact the IHSAA sport administrator for this sport: [email protected]. All other inquiries should be directed through athletic directors or coaches at member schools or host schools. 

All the rules and regulations governing this sport can be found in the annual NFHS Rule Book, which all member schools receive from the IHSAA, excepting updates or experiments approved by the Board of Control.

For more information on concussions or sport safety, please visit the Health & Safety resource page. 

Manual Index

Postseason Schedule

Postseason Qualifier Information

Postseason Site Assignments

Game Procedures

Postseason Administration Information

Participating Schools Information

Video Information

Finals Information

To search this manual, click a topic header from the Index above or select Find (Ctrl + F) from your keyboard.

Postseason Schedule

First Round (8P, A, 1A, 2A)

Friday, October 25 @ 7:00 p.m.

First Round (3A, 4A, 5A) & Second Round (8P, A, 1A, 2A)

Friday, November 1 @ 7:00 p.m.

Quarterfinal Round (8P)

Thursday, November 7 @ 7:00 p.m.

Quarterfinal Round (A, 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A)

Friday, November 8 @ 7:00 p.m.

Semifinal Round (All classes, all games at UNI-Dome)

Championship Round

Thursday, November 21

8 Player – 9:30 AM

Class A – 1:00 PM

Class 1A – 4:00 PM

Class 4A – 7:00 PM

Friday, November 22

Class 2A – 10:00 AM

Class 3A – 1:00 PM

Class 5A – 7:00 PM

Postseason Qualifier Information

EIGHT-PLAYER, CLASS A, CLASS 1A, CLASS 2A

17-Point Tiebreaker

The 17-point tiebreaker system is the difference in score between Team A and Team B. EXAMPLE: (Team A–20, Team B–10. Team A gets plus 10 points and Team B gets minus 10 points.) Seventeen points is the maximum number of positive or negative points that a team may receive. When a tie exists and head-to-head competition cannot determine the qualifier, the 17-point system will be used by adding the plus and minus points of district games of each of the teams in the tie and then divide by the total number of district games. This will indicate a per-game point average. The team with the highest per-game point average will be the qualifier. If the tie still exists, we then use the alphabetical system.

When a regulation game ends in a tie score, the overtime procedure is used. For purposes of the 17-point tie-breaker rule, the winner of an overtime game will receive a (+1) and the loser of the overtime game will receive a (-1). NOTE: The score differential in an overtime game is not a factor. It is simply the winner receives a (+1) and the loser a (-1) in all overtime district games. (In overtime, no try will be attempted if the winner of the game has been determined.)

Qualifiers

In Classes A, 1A and 2A, the district champion, district runner-up, district third place team, and the district fourth place team will qualify for the playoffs.

In Eight-Player, the district champion, district runner-up and district third place team and two statewide at-large qualifiers will qualify for the playoffs.

For the 1st round, there will be 16 contests.  After the first round, teams will be placed into four pods of four teams for second and quarterfinal round pairings.

1. Determining the district champion:

1. 1. The team with the fewest district losses will be the district champion.
   2. If a tie exists between two teams with the fewest district losses, the tie will be broken by:
      1. Head to Head competition, winner is district champion.
      2. Loser is district runner-up.

2. Determining district champion, district runner-up, and district third place team when three or more schools tie with the fewest district losses:

1. 1. Head to Head Competition will be used, loser(s) out.
      1. If a district champion is determined by head to head competition over the remaining teams, and only two teams remain, head to head competition will determine the district runner up.
      2. If all teams defeated each other:
         • The 17 point tie breaker (using plus and minus points of district games divided by the total number of games played within the district) will decide the district champion. The team with highest tiebreaker average will be the district champion and the second highest will be the district runner up, and the third highest will be the district third place team.
      3. If a 2-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Head to Head competition will be used, team with lowest tiebreaker will be district third place team.
      4. If a 3-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Alphabetical system- FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2024.
         • Alphabetical system- LAST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2025.

3. Determining district champion, district runner-up, district third place, and district fourth place when four or more schools tie with the fewest district losses:

1. 1. Head to Head Competition will be used, loser(s) out.
      1. If a district champion is determined by head to head competition over all the remaining teams in the tie, and only three teams remain, head to head competition will determine the district runner up.
      2. If teams remain in the tie after criteria 1:
         • The 17 point tie breaker (using plus and minus points of district games divided by the total number of games played within the district) will decide the district champion. The team with highest tiebreaker average will be the district champion and the second highest will be the district runner up.
         • If at anytime, two teams have identical tie breaker averages, head to head competition will be used to determine the higher seed.
      3. If a 2-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Head to Head competition will be used
      4. If a 3-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Alphabetical system-FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2024.
      5. If a 4-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Alphabetical system-FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2024.

NOTE: For the 2025 playoff season, the LAST alphabetical school will be the qualifier/higher seed.

4. Determining the district runner-up:

1. 1. The team with the second fewest district losses will be the district runner-up
   2. If a tie exists between 2 schools for the district runner-up, head to head competition will be used, loser will be the district third place team.
   3. If a tie exists between 3 or more schools for the district runner-up, and one school defeated the others head to head, they will be the district runner-up.
   4. If a tie exists between 3 or more schools for the district runner-up, and all teams have defeated each other:
      1. The 17-point tie breaker (using plus and minus points of district games divided by the total number of games played within the district) will decide the district runner-up. The team with the highest tiebreaker average will be the district runner-up, the team with the second highest tiebreaker average will be the district third place team, and the team with the third highest tiebreaker average will be the district fourth place team.
      2. If a 2-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Head to Head competition will be used, team with lowest tiebreaker will be district fourth place team.
      3. If a 3-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Alphabetical system-FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2024.

5. Determining the district third place team:

1. 1. The team with the third fewest district losses will be the district third place team.
   2. If a tie exists between 2 schools for the district third place team, head to head competition will be used, loser will be the district fourth place team.
   3. If a tie exists between 3 or more schools for the district third place team, and one school defeated the others head to head, they will be the district third place team.
   4. If a tie exists between 3 or more schools for the district third place team, and all teams have defeated each other:

1. 1. 1. The 17 point tie breaker (using plus and minus points of district games divided by the total number of games played within the district) will decide the district third place team. The team with the highest tiebreaker average will be the district third place team.  The team with the second highest tiebreaker average will be the district fourth place team.
      2. If a 2-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Head to Head competition will be used, team with lowest tiebreaker will be district fifth place team.
      3. If a 3-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Alphabetical system-FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2024.

6. Determining the district fourth place team:

1. 1. The team with the fourth fewest district losses will be the district fourth place team.
   2. If a tie exists between 2 schools for the district fourth place team, head to head competition will be used, loser will be out.
   3. If a tie exists between 3 or more schools for the district fourth place team, and one school defeated the others head to head, they will be the district fourth place team.
   4. If a tie exists between 3 or more schools for the district fourth place team, and all teams have defeated each other:

1. 1. 1. The 17 point tie breaker (using plus and minus points of district games divided by the total number of games played within the district) will decide the district fourth place team. The team with the highest tiebreaker average will be the district fourth place team.
      2. If a 2-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Head to Head competition will be used, team with lowest tiebreaker will be district sixth place team.
      3. If a 3-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Alphabetical system-FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2024.

7. Determining 8-Player At-Large Qualifiers:

1. 1. Fewest Number of District Losses
   2. If more than two teams statewide have the same number of district losses
      • The 17 point tie breaker (using plus and minus points of district games divided by the total number of games played within the district) will decide the at-large qualifiers. The team with highest tiebreaker average will be the first at-large qualifier and the second highest will be the second at-large qualifier.
      1. If a 2-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Head to Head competition will be used to determine at-large qualifier.
      2. If a 3-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Head to Head competition against all schools involved in the tie (Team A has defeated both Team B and Team C)
         • Alphabetical system- FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s) in 2024.
         • Alphabetical system- LAST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s) in 2025.

CLASS 3A, CLASS 4A

17-Point Tiebreaker

The 17-point tiebreaker system is the difference in score between Team A and Team B. EXAMPLE: (Team A–20, Team B–10. Team A gets plus 10 points and Team B gets minus 10 points.) Seventeen points is the maximum number of positive or negative points that a team may receive. When a tie exists and head-to-head competition cannot determine the qualifier, the 17-point system will be used by adding the plus and minus points of district games of each of the teams in the tie and then divide by the total number of district games. This will indicate a per-game point average. The team with the highest per-game point average will be the qualifier. If the tie still exists, we then use the alphabetical system.

When a regulation game ends in a tie score, the overtime procedure is used. For purposes of the 17-point tie-breaker rule, the winner of an overtime game will receive a (+1) and the loser of the overtime game will receive a (-1). NOTE: The score differential in an overtime game is not a factor. It is simply the winner receives a (+1) and the loser a (-1) in all overtime district games. (In overtime, no try will be attempted if the winner of the game has been determined.)

Qualifiers for the football postseason tournament will be the district champion, district runner-up and four (4) at-large qualifiers. (16 qualifiers in each class).

Teams will be placed into four pods of four teams for first and quarterfinal round pairings.

1. Determining the district champion:

1. 1. The team with the fewest district losses will be the district champion.
   2. If a tie exists between two teams with the fewest district losses, the tie will be broken by:
      1. Head to Head competition, winner is district champion.
      2. Loser is district runner-up.

2. Determining district champion, district runner-up, and district third place team when three or more schools tie with the fewest district losses:

1. 1. Head to Head Competition will be used, loser(s) out.
      1. If a district champion is determined by head to head competition over the remaining teams, and only two teams remain, head to head competition will determine the district runner up.
      2. If all teams defeated each other:
         • The 17 point tie breaker (using plus and minus points of district games divided by the total number of games played within the district) will decide the district champion. The team with highest tiebreaker average will be the district champion and the second highest will be the district runner up, and the third highest will be the district third place team.
      3. If a 2-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Head to Head competition will be used, team with lowest tiebreaker will be district third place team.
      4. If a 3-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Alphabetical system- FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2024.
         • Alphabetical system- LAST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2025.

3. Determining district champion, district runner-up, district third place, and district fourth place when four or more schools tie with the fewest district losses:

1. 1. Head to Head Competition will be used, loser(s) out.
      1. If a district champion is determined by head to head competition over all the remaining teams in the tie, and only three teams remain, head to head competition will determine the district runner up.
      2. If teams remain in the tie after criteria 1:
         • The 17 point tie breaker (using plus and minus points of district games divided by the total number of games played within the district) will decide the district champion. The team with highest tiebreaker average will be the district champion and the second highest will be the district runner up.
         • If at anytime, two teams have identical tie breaker averages, head to head competition will be used to determine the higher seed.
      3. If a 2-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Head to Head competition will be used
      4. If a 3-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Alphabetical system-FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2024.
      5. If a 4-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Alphabetical system-FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2024.

NOTE: For the 2025 playoff season, the LAST alphabetical school will be the qualifier/higher seed.

4. Determining the district runner-up:

1. 1. The team with the second fewest district losses will be the district runner-up
   2. If a tie exists between 2 schools for the district runner-up, head to head competition will be used, loser will be the district third place team.
   3. If a tie exists between 3 or more schools for the district runner-up, and one school defeated the others head to head, they will be the district runner-up.
   4. If a tie exists between 3 or more schools for the district runner-up, and all teams have defeated each other:
      1. The 17-point tie breaker (using plus and minus points of district games divided by the total number of games played within the district) will decide the district runner-up. The team with the highest tiebreaker average will be the district runner-up, the team with the second highest tiebreaker average will be the district third place team, and the team with the third highest tiebreaker average will be the district fourth place team.
      2. If a 2-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Head to Head competition will be used, team with lowest tiebreaker will be district fourth place team.
      3. If a 3-way tie exists among the highest tiebreaker average:
         • Alphabetical system-FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s)/higher seed in 2024.

2. Determining district champion, district runner-up, and district third place team when three or more schools tie with the fewest district losses:

• • • If a district champion is determined by head to head competition over the remaining teams, and only two teams remain, head to head competition will determine the district runner up.
    • Head to Head Competition will be used, loser(s) out.
    • If all teams involved in the tie defeated each other:
      • The team with the highest RPI will be determined to be the district champion.
      • Head to Head competition between the remaining two teams will determine the district runner up

The Iowa High School Athletic Association will use the RPI to determine the four at-large qualifiers in Class 3A & 4A.

CLASS 5A

The Iowa High School Athletic Association will use the RPI to determine all qualifiers in Class 5A.

Teams will be placed into four pods of four teams for first and quarterfinal round pairings.

RATINGS PERCENTAGE INDEX

What is the RPI formula?  

RPI stands for Ratings Percentage Index.

The RPI number will range between .0000 and 1.000 with higher numbers being “better” in terms of a rating. In short, it is a way to measure a team’s strength relative to other teams, based largely on their results and their strength of their schedules.

What percentages are being used in the formula?

The IHSAA decided to weigh three criteria in its first football RPI.

WP = Your own winning percentage (weighted 37.5%);

OWP = Your opponents’ composite winning percentage (weighted 37.5%);

OOWP = Your opponents’ opponents’ composite winning percentage (weighted 25%).

The RPI formula used for the 2022 football season is: RPI = (.375 × WP) + (.375 × OWP) + (.25 × OOWP)

How are the components of the formula specifically calculated?

Winning percentage (WP): Divide the number of wins by the number of total games played.

Opponents’ winning percentage (OWP): Total the number of wins of your opponents and divide by the total games played by your opponents.

Opponents’ opponents winning percentage (OOWP): The same process as described above, except calculated for the opponents of a team’s opponents. Note that there is an exception for out-of-state teams, which is addressed below.

How will out-of-state opponents be handled?

When calculating out-of-state opponents, their direct winning percentage (for example, .750 with a 6-2 record) will count toward the formula through the Wednesday of Week 9 of the regular season, but each of their opponents will have a .500 winning percentage assigned.

What data will be used in the RPI formula?

All games played in the regular season will be counted toward the RPI calculation.

How will cross-classification games be handled?

Schools will not be penalized or rewarded for playing a school in a different class. A win over a Class A school is calculated the same as a win over a Class 5A school.

What happens if two teams are tied in the final RPI standings?

We have created a tiebreaker for this unlikely scenario. It is as follows:

1. Head-to-head result between the two teams
2. Winning percentage
3. Opponents’ winning percentage
4. Opponents’ opponents winning percentage
5. Alphabet Draw – FIRST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s) in 2024/LAST alphabetical will be the qualifier(s) in 2025

Do road wins count differently than home wins in the RPI?

There is no advantage in the formula for winning on the road or at home. All wins and losses are factored in equally.

Does the score of the contest matter in the RPI formula?

Only in that it provides a winner and a loser. There is currently no factor for score differential in the RPI formula. A 14-13 win counts the same as 70-0 win.

How do schools that drop programs affect the RPI?

If a school drops a program prior to the start of the competitive season, no forfeits will be involved. Instead, their opponents now have open dates in the spots where they were scheduled to play the teams who dropped their program, and they are free to try and find another game, if possible. If a school drops a program after the competitive season has started, that team shall forfeit their remaining games to their opponents. In this instance, the competitive season is defined as week 5 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar.

ORDER OF PLAYOFF DETERMINATION

• Qualifiers will be determined first (district champion, runner-up, then at-large).
  • The IHSAA will use head-to-head competition over the RPI for the final at-large qualifying spot, if the two teams are side-by-side in the final rankings (i.e. 15 and 16 OR 16 and 17).
• After 16 teams are determined to be the class’s playoff qualifiers, the final seed list will be prepared.
  • The IHSAA will use head-to-head competition over the RPI if two teams are side-by-side in the final rankings.

Notes: A school can only move up one seed line based on head to head competition. If the final at-large spot is determined via a head-to-head, requiring an adjustment in the final RPI ranking, that team is locked and cannot use head-to-head criteria to gain another seed line. If three or more teams are in consecutive order in the final RPI listing and all the teams played each other, the qualifying list and seed list will NOT be changed due to multiple head-to-head scenarios. The initial final RPI will be the order used.

RPI EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE #1

DISTRICT RECORD           TEAM RECORD  OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP OPP’ REC                   RPI                       RANK

Team A   3-2 0.4444           4-5 0.4444            54-27 0.6667                        359-370 0.4925                 0.5398            District Runner-up

Team B   3-2 0.5556           5-4 0.5556            41-40 0.5062                        359-370 0.4925                 0.5213

Team C   3-2 0.4444           4-5 0.4444            37-44 0.4567                        359-370 0.4925                  0.4610

Team B defeated A during district play.  Team C defeated B during district play.  Team A defeated C during district play.  As there is a three-way tie for the runner-up spot, Team A has the higher RPI, making them the automatic qualifier for the postseason as the district runner-up.

EXAMPLE #2

TEAM RECORD                                 OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP  OPP’ REC    RPI                RANK

Team A   4-5         0.4444                    54-27 0.6667                        359-370 0.4925    0.5398        17

Team B   5-4         0.5556                   41-40 0.5062                        359-370 0.4925    0.5213         16

Team B defeated Team A during the regular season. Even though Team A has the higher RPI, because they are side by side, Team B’s regular season victory over Team A will place them as team 16 and qualify them for the postseason, and Team A will be eliminated from the postseason.

EXAMPLE #3

TEAM RECORD                                  OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP OPP’ REC                   RPI                       RANK

Team A   4-5 0.4444                           54-27 0.6667                        359-370 0.4925                 0.5398                    16

Team B   5-4 0.5556                           41-40 0.5062                        359-370 0.4925                 0.5213                    18

Team C   4-5 0.4444                           37-44 0.4567                        359-370 0.4925                  0.4610                   17

Team C defeated Team A and Team B during the regular season. Team B and Team A did not play each other. Team C can only climb one spot in the rankings, since they are not side by side with Team A. Team A will qualify for the postseason as an at-large qualifier.

EXAMPLE #4

TEAM RECORD                                  OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP OPP’ REC                          RPI                RANK

Team A   4-5 0.4444                            54-27 0.6667                         359-370 0.4925                    0.5398               16

Team B   5-4 0.5556                           41-40 0.5062                         359-370 0.4925                   0.5213                  17

Team C   4-5 0.4444                           37-44 0.4567                        359-370 0.4925                    0.4610                  18

Team C defeated A during the regular season, but did not play Team B during the regular season. Team B did not play Team A during the regular season. Team C cannot climb above Team B, even though they defeated Team A, since Team C and Team A are not side by side in the rankings. Team A will qualify for the postseason as an at-large qualifier.

EXAMPLE #5

TEAM RECORD                                  OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP OPP’ REC                                   RPI                      RANK

Team A   4-5 0.4444                           54-27 0.6667                        359-370 0.4925                                    0.5398                  2

Team B   5-4 0.5556                           41-40 0.5062                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.5213                   1

Team C   4-5 0.4444                           37-44 0.4567                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.4610                  3

Team B defeated Team A during the regular season. Even though Team A has the higher RPI, because they are side by side, Team B’s regular season victory over Team A will place them ahead of Team A regarding the seeding of the postseason. In this scenario, Team B will now be ranked #1 and Team A will be ranked #2 throughout the postseason.

EXAMPLE #6

TEAM RECORD                                  OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP OPP’ REC                                  RPI                       RANK

Team A   4-5 0.4444                           54-27 0.6667                        359-370 0.4925                                    0.5398                   1

Team B   5-4 0.5556                           41-40 0.5062                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.5213                   3

Team C   4-5 0.4444                           37-44 0.4567                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.4610                  2

Team C defeated Team A and Team B during the regular season. Team B and Team A did not play each other. Team C can only climb one spot in the rankings. Team A will still be seeded #1, however, Team C will now be ranked #2 and Team B will now be ranked #3 throughout the postseason.

EXAMPLE #7

TEAM RECORD                                  OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP OPP’ REC                                  RPI                       RANK

Team A   4-5 0.4444                           54-27 0.6667                        359-370 0.4925                                    0.5398                   1

Team B   5-4 0.5556                           41-40 0.5062                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.5213                   2

Team C   4-5 0.4444                           37-44 0.4567                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.4610                  3

Team C defeated A during the regular season, but did not play Team B during the regular season.  Team B did not play Team A during the regular season. Team C cannot climb above Team B, even though they defeated Team A, since Team C and Team A are not side by side in the rankings. Team A will be ranked #1, Team B will be ranked #2, and Team C will be ranked #3 throughout the postseason.

EXAMPLE #8

TEAM RECORD                                  OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP OPP’ REC                                  RPI                       RANK

Team A   4-5 0.4444                           54-27 0.6667                        359-370 0.4925                                    0.5398                17

Team B   5-4 0.5556                           41-40 0.5062                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.5213                 16

Team C   4-5 0.4444                           37-44 0.4567                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.4610                  18

Team C defeated B during the regular season.  Team B defeated Team A during the regular season. Team A and Team C did not play during the regular season. As this is for the final at-large spot, we are only comparing Team A with Team B. Team B is the qualifier based on its head to head win over Team A.

EXAMPLE #9

TEAM RECORD                                  OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP OPP’ REC                                  RPI                       RANK

Team A   4-5 0.4444                           54-27 0.6667                        359-370 0.4925                                    0.5398                15

Team B   5-4 0.5556                           41-40 0.5062                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.5213                 17

Team C   4-5 0.4444                           37-44 0.4567                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.4610                  16

Team C defeated B during the regular season.  Team B defeated Team A during the regular season. Team A and Team C did not play during the regular season. As this is for the final at-large spot, we are only comparing Team B with Team C. Team C is the qualifier based on its head to head win over Team B.

EXAMPLE #10

TEAM RECORD                                  OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP OPP’ REC                                  RPI                       RANK

Team A   4-5 0.4444                           54-27 0.6667                        359-370 0.4925                                    0.5398                16

Team B   5-4 0.5556                           41-40 0.5062                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.5213                 17

Team C   4-5 0.4444                           37-44 0.4567                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.4610                  18

Team C defeated Team B during the regular season.  Team B defeated Team A during the regular season. Team A defeated Team C in the regular season. As we have three teams in consecutive ranking order that each played each other, the initial ranking list will not change. Team A is the qualifier.

EXAMPLE #11

TEAM RECORD                                  OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP OPP’ REC                                  RPI                       RANK

Team A   4-5 0.4444                           54-27 0.6667                        359-370 0.4925                                    0.5398                15

Team B   5-4 0.5556                           41-40 0.5062                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.5213                 16

Team C   4-5 0.4444                           37-44 0.4567                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.4610                  17

Team C defeated Team B during the regular season.  Team B defeated Team A during the regular season. Team A defeated Team C in the regular season. As we have three teams in consecutive ranking order that each played each other, the initial ranking list will not change. Team A and B are playoff qualifiers.

EXAMPLE #12

TEAM RECORD                                  OPPONENTS’ REC            OPP OPP’ REC                                  RPI                       RANK

Team A   4-5 0.4444                           54-27 0.6667                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.5398                12

Team B   5-4 0.5556                           41-40 0.5062                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.5213                 11

Team C   4-5 0.4444                           37-44 0.4567                        359-370 0.4925                                   0.4610                  13

Team C defeated Team B during the regular season. Team B defeated Team A during the regular season. Team A and Team C did not play in the regular season. As we go top down in determining seeding, just as in qualifying, Team B’s win over Team A takes precedence. Team B will be awarded the higher seed over Team A.

Cancellation vs. Forfeiture of Football Season

The season starts with the first game. If a team does not play a game, it does not have a season and this is considered a cancellation, not a forfeiture, Per Board of Control Policy, January 2014, the continuation of the season for a team that forfeits a regular season game shall be determined by the IHSAA administrative staff and the school’s administration.

Per Board of Control policy January 2024, any school that forfeits a regular season football contest due to lack of available players will be ineligible for the postseason.

Regular Season Schedule

A team is permitted to play a maximum of eight regular season games in classes 8-player, A, 1A and 2A and nine regular season games in classes 3A, 4A, and 5A, unless approval is given by the Board of Control for an additional game to help a school with a scheduling conflict. All varsity regular season football games must be played by the eighth Friday of the football season for Classes 8 Player, A 1A and 2A and the ninth Friday of the football season for Classes 3A, 4A, and 5A (calendar weeks #15 & 16, respectively).

In the event of inclement weather, a postponed 9th game must be played. All suspended/postponed games must be played to determine a winner (no tied games) by the following Monday of the suspension except for the regular season finale which must be finalized by Saturday.

Postseason Site Assignments

EIGHT-PLAYER, CLASS A, CLASS 1A, CLASS 2A

First Round:

Class A, 1A, 2A: When a district champion plays a district fourth place team, the district champion will be the home team. When a district runner-up plays a district third place team, the district runner-up will be the home team.

8 Player:  The 10 district champions will have the opportunity to host along with 6 district runner ups. The first criteria used to determine which district runner-ups will host is fewest number of district losses. If more than 6 schools have the same number of district losses, the school(s) with the highest 17-point tiebreaker average will host.  If the tie still cannot be broken,  the school listed LAST alphabetically will be provided the opportunity to host.

Second Round:

A district champion cannot play another district champion in Class A, 1A and 2A.

Only eight 8-player district champions can host in this round.

The team with the higher finish in their respective district according to district qualification procedure will be the home team.

If two teams have the same district finish, head-to-head competition between the two teams will determine the home school with the winner of the head-to-head competition being the home team.

If two teams have the same district finish and did not play during the regular season, the highest ranked team in the IHSAA rankings will be the home team.

If the two teams paired have the same district finish, did not play in the regular season and are both unranked, the team with the fewest number of district losses will be the home team.

If the two teams paired have the same district finish, did not play in the regular season, are unranked and have the same number of district losses, the home school will be determined by the alphabetical system and the school listed LAST alphabetically will be the home team in 2024.

Quarterfinals: 

If the two teams played in the regular season, head-to-head competition between the two teams will determine the home school with the winner of the head-to-head competition being the home team.

If the two teams did not play in the regular season,  the highest ranked team in the IHSAA rankings will be the home team. 

If two teams did not play in the regular season and both are unranked, the team with the higher finish in their respective district according to district qualification procedure will be the home team.

If the two teams paired have the same district finish, did not play in the regular season and are both unranked, the team with the fewest number of district losses will be the home team.

If the two teams paired have the same district finish, did not play in the regular season, are unranked and have the same number of district losses, the home school will be determined by the alphabetical system and the school listed LAST alphabetically will be the home team in 2024.

Semifinals:

The IHSAA Rankings following week 8 will be used to determine the pairings for the semifinal round contests.

All teams will play in the UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. The IHSAA will use the IHSAA Rankings to seed the remaining 4 teams in each class.  The team with the highest ranking will play the team with the 4th highest ranking and the team with the 2nd highest ranking will play the team with the 3rd highest ranking. The two teams with the highest rankings will be considered the home teams.

Finals:

The higher ranked team will be considered the home team.

CLASS 3A, CLASS 4A

First Round:

The 6 district champions and 2 district runner-ups will have the opportunity to host.

The 2 district runner ups with the highest RPI will be provided the opportunity to host.  If two teams have the same RPI, head to head competition will be used to determine the host.  If there was no head to head competition, the home school will be determined by the alphabetical system and the school listed LAST alphabetically will be the home team.

When a district champion plays a district runner-up or at-large qualifier, the district champion will be the home team.

When a district runner-up plays a district runner-up or at-large qualifier, the higher seeded team based on the final RPI ranking will be the home team.

Quarterfinals: 

The RPI seed list at the end of week 9 will be used to determine site assignments for quarterfinal round contests.

Semifinals:

The RPI seed list at the end of week 9 will be used to determine the pairings for the semifinal round contests.

All teams will play in the UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. The IHSAA will use the RPI to seed the remaining 4 teams in each class.  The team with the highest RPI will play the team with the 4th highest RPI and the team with the 2nd highest RPI will play the team with the 3rd highest RPI. The two teams with the highest RPI’s will be considered the home teams.

Finals:

The RPI seed list at the end of week 9 will be used to determine the home team in the championship game.

CLASS 5A

First Round:

The RPI seed list at the end of week 9 will be used to determine site assignments for first round contests.

Quarterfinals: 

The RPI seed list at the end of week 9 will be used to determine site assignments for quarterfinal round contests.

Semifinals:

All teams will play in the UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. The IHSAA will use the RPI to seed the remaining 4 teams in each class.  The team with the highest RPI will play the team with the 4th highest RPI and the team with the 2nd highest RPI will play the team with the 3rd highest RPI. The two teams with the highest RPI’s will be considered the home teams.

Finals:

The RPI seed list at the end of week 9 will be used to determine the home team in the championship game.

Game Procedures

SCHEDULING & TIMING

ACCESS TO LOCKER ROOMS: 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

ACCESS TO FIELD: 30 minutes prior to kickoff or any pregame activities that require the teams to leave the field prior to kickoff time/No earlier than one hour before kickoff time.

1. First round game time on Friday night is 7:00 PM. Quarterfinal games will be played on Thursday/Friday night at 7:00 PM. All semifinal games will be played at the UNI-Dome. It is recommended that home management have the flag presented during the Star-Spangled Banner. The Iowa High School Athletic Association requires that both teams be on the field of play for the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.
2. If the home team’s marching band is to perform on the field, teams are to leave the playing field approximately 15 minutes before game time and return approximately five minutes before the kickoff. Teams are guaranteed 30 minutes of warm-up prior to leaving the field. Upon returning, the captains will participate in the coin toss. Through a recommendation of the coaches, a coin toss could take place earlier in the dressing room and a mock flip will take place three minutes prior to the game time. If no marching band is to perform prior to kickoff, the teams may stay on the field until 5 minutes prior to kick-off.
3. Only the official squads, including the players, will be permitted on the field of play.
4. Only members of the media will be permitted on the sidelines, and they must be approved and signed in for attendance. Two representatives from each school will be permitted on the sidelines for yearbook, newspaper, school website, etc.
5. A 4-inch wide broken restraining line shall be placed around the outside of the field, at least 2 yards from the sidelines and end lines, as an extension of the line limiting the team box area. These lines should be 12 inches in length and separated by 24 inches.
6. The halftime will be 15 minutes long with a three-minute warm-up period, if there is no marching band participating at halftime. If a marching band performs at halftime, the halftime will be 20 minutes long with a three-minute warm-up period. Pre-game and halftime routines should be arranged with the playoff manager. No halftime routine will be longer than 12 minutes.
7. Prior to the start of the game the fans are not to make a human tunnel nor are the cheerleaders to make a tunnel and/or have a hoop which the players can run through prior to the start of the game. The fans are to remain off the field. In addition, no media personnel or equipment are allowed on the field of play prior to the game.

MARCHING BANDS

The home team in the football playoffs has the option to perform on their home field. This simply means the home team will have the option of having their band perform pregame and halftime routines if the school desires. Visiting teams will not have the option of having a marching band. If the game is played on a neutral field, there will be no marching band performance. Pregame and halftime routines should be arranged with the playoff manager. No halftime routine will be longer than 12 minutes. Marching band members of the home team will be admitted free if they are marching for the game.

OTHER PREGAME & HALFTIME PERFORMANCES

The home team dance or drill team, along with cheerleaders has the option to perform on their home field. If the game is played on a neutral field, there will be no dance, drill team, or cheerleader performance. No halftime routine may be no longer than 12 minutes in length.

PEP BANDS

Both schools are permitted student pep bands if they desire. There will be no limit as to the number of pep band members. Pep band members must pay admission. Only marching band members of the home team will be admitted free, if they are marching for the game. No other musical entertainment shall be performed.

SHARED FACILITIES

1. The IHSAA may play doubleheaders on artificial grass facilities.
2. The school that owns the facility will have first priority regarding hosting the contest.
3. The school not owning the facility will have the opportunity to find another site to host the contest, or the contest will be held at the opponent’s facility. All efforts should be made to find a facility that is no further than the opponent would have had to travel to the host school for the contest.
4. If neither school owns the facility, the team with the higher finish in their respective district will host the contest.
5. If both teams have the same district finish, head to head competition will be used to determine the host.
6. If the two teams did not play each other, the team with the better overall record will host the contest.
7. Finally, the alphabet will be used to determine the host. FIRST alphabetical will host the even years (2024), while LAST alphabetical will host the odd years (2025).

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SOLICITATIONS

With the assembly of people at your tournament site, many tournament managers will be confronted with various requests pertaining to donations and contributions to the many organizations which rely upon this method or system of financing their programs. The Board of Control has decided to prohibit the passing of hats, receptacles, blankets, etc., inside the gates at any IHSAA-sponsored tournament for the purpose of collecting any contributions to any group or organization.

The Board of Control does not object to placing a receptacle in the vestibule inside the gate area where the people may deposit their contributions, provided this arrangement meets with the approval of the local tournament manager.

DRONES

The use or possession of unmanned aircraft or aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones, is prohibited for any purpose by any person or entity at any IHSAA postseason tournament events or venues.  An exception to this policy may be granted in writing by the IHSAA executive director to law enforcement, public safety agencies, IHSAA media partners, or other entities or individuals.

This prohibition applies to the area above and upon all spectator areas, fields of play, courts, arenas, stadiums, mats, gym floor or pool, practice facilities, parking areas, and includes a ban on the entire facility or property being used as part of the IHSAA event.

For purposes of this policy, a UAS is any unmanned airborne device or aircraft.  The IHSAA reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone possessing, operating, or attempting to operate a UAS or to request the immediate removal of any person using or attempting to use a UAS in violation of this policy.

Postseason Administration Information

The IHSAA executive director or designee will appoint a tournament manager for each tournament site. The tournament manager will administer the game according to the regulations established by the Board of Control. The duties shall include:

1. Communicate that the home team will wear dark uniforms and the visitors will wear white uniforms.
2. Provide participating schools with any necessary information not included in this manual.
3. Engage statisticians and designate one as the official scorer.
4. Arrange for a timer, scoreboard operator, announcer, four ball boys (junior high school age recommended), and the chain crew.
5. Make arrangements for managing of concessions (profits to go to host school).
6. Arrange to have a licensed health care provider, emergency medical provider and/or ambulance present at the game site, if possible.
7. Secure ticket scanners. Tickets are to be scanned until the third quarter is completed.
8. Assign dressing rooms to the teams and game officials.
9. Designate seating sections for each team.
10. Notification by the IHSAA of the names of the game officials at least two (2) business days prior to the game.
11. Make necessary arrangements for marking the field in accordance with the official rulebook.
12. Furnish the equipment for the chain crew.
13. The host school is responsible for providing 3 Wilson GST footballs for each playoff contest. The visiting school has an opportunity to use its own Wilson GST footballs if so desired. All game balls are to be inspected by the umpire prior to the game. If the host school cannot secure Wilson GST footballs, it is to contact the IHSAA by the Monday prior to the contest.
14. The game officials are to report to the home management no later than 1 hour, 30 minutes before game time.
15. The Association will not provide programs for first round, second round and quarterfinal games. We ask that the home school furnish a program for the contest. The Association will not reimburse the home school for the program. However, if the school desires to have a program and sell advertising or just sell the program, this is permissible with the condition that no advertisement in programs represent alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or any other item that is not appropriate for the occasion. It is permissible for the home team to sell the programs they make available for first round, or quarterfinal games. A program for the semifinal games and final games will be produced by the IHSAA. It will have pictures of the teams and information concerning their players as well as the school.
16. Please inform the teams where their buses should be parked, the location of the dressing rooms, the seating arrangements for their fans, and any other information you feel would be beneficial to the teams. In doing this we will have a better feeling of cooperation insofar as the teams are concerned.
17. The home school will select four ball boys. The IHSAA recommends junior high school age. Two will work for the home school and two for the visitors.
18. The host school is required to report the results of the game to Bound.
19. The Conduct Counts initiative is in place for all rounds of the postseason. No banners or noisemakers (cowbells, air horns, thunder sticks, etc.) will be permitted at any postseason football contest, including the UNI-Dome at any time, whether it is a first round, second round, quarterfinal, semifinal, or championship game. This prohibition of noisemakers includes any sirens, cannon explosions, fireworks, or bells that are sounded after a home team score. Music played over the public address will  be allowed during the pregame, halftime, time outs and quarter breaks. Once the center is over the ball, there is to be no music played by the pep/marching band, nor any artificial noise, including music, over the public address system. Pep/marching bands/PA operators that violate this protocol may subject their team to penalties which could include 5 yard delay of game penalties, all the way to 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalties.
20. The Board of Control of the IHSAA adopted a policy that shirts and shoes will be the required attire for all in attendance at any indoor IHSAA-sponsored athletic events. In the sport of football, this rule would apply to the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.
21. No items deemed a safety hazard (helmets, etc) will be permitted to be worn at any postseason football contest, including the UNI-Dome at any time, whether first round, second round, quarterfinal, semifinal, or championship game.
22.  Banners will be provided to teams qualifying for the postseason.   Trophies and medals will be given to the losers in the second round, quarterfinal round, and semifinal round games. The winners of the semifinal round games will advance to the championship games and receive their trophies and medals at the conclusion of the championship games. The IHSAA will make an effort to have the trophies and medals sent to the host schools for presentation following the game. The trophies and medals will be shipped directly to the host school manager. If they are not available, they will be mailed to the school that is to receive the trophies and medals.  There will be no additional name plate sent to schools.  The name plate on the trophy you receive is the only name plate the IHSAA will send to you.
23. Each participating school may have 20 cheerleaders and one mascot admitted free of charge for the first round, second round, quarterfinal, semifinal and final round games along with two cheerleading sponsors. Additional cheerleaders will need to purchase a ticket. These cheerleaders will be asked to sign in at the pass gate. For the first round, second round and quarterfinal round, there will be no limit on the number of cheerleaders who may perform, however, only 20 will be admitted free of charge. For the semifinal and final games at the UNI-Dome, each participating school will be issued 20 passes for their cheerleaders, one mascot and two cheerleading sponsors. Only 20 cheerleaders will be permitted on the sideline during the semifinal and final games.
24. Each school will be permitted five chaperones for supervision with no admission charge. The chaperones admitted free are not to have access to the playing field.
25. Ticket prices: $8 (plus fees) for first round, second round, and quarterfinal games. $10 (plus fees) for semifinal and championship games.
26. All spectators school-aged and above are required to purchase a ticket.
27. The UNI-Dome staff requires that only molded plastic cleats or tennis shoes be worn in the UNI-Dome. Football shoes with removeable cleats, whether completely plastic or with a metal tip are prohibited in the UNI-Dome.
28. The IHSAA will issue playoff pairings after Friday, October 18 for Classes 2A, 1A, A and 8-Player, and October 25 for Classes 5A, 4A, and 3A.
29. The host school must meet the following minimum standards:
    1. 8-Player must provide seating for 500 people;
    2. Class 1A and A schools must provide seating for 800 people;
    3. Class 2A schools must provide seating for 1,200 people;
    4. Class 3A schools must provide seating for 2,000 people;
    5. Class 4A & 5A schools must provide seating for 3,200 people.
30. The host school must also provide adequate restroom facilities. If the member school cannot meet these minimum standards, they will select a site which meets these standards and which is no greater distance for the visitors than if the game had been played at the home school’s own field. If the home school does not want to ask a member school to host a tournament, the IHSAA Office will select the site.
31. If the IHSAA feels that a facility is not adequate, even though it meets the specifications, the IHSAA has the right to change the site after reviewing the facility. This decision will be final.
32. For all postseason games played in the UNI-Dome, end zone cameras are permitted on the north concourse. Schools should communicate with host sites regarding the availability and use of end zone cameras for earlier round games.​

Participating School Information

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

1. Schools that qualify for the playoffs will be posted on the IHSAA website following Friday night. Any school that disagrees with the qualifiers, the points earned, etc., MUST notify the IHSAA office no later than 12 a.m. Saturday morning, October 19 for Classes A, 1A, 2A and 8-player and October 26 for Classes 3A, 4A and 5A, otherwise, all qualifiers will be final. This procedure is being used for the convenience of the teams that make it to the playoffs.

2. At no time will a team be able to practice or scrimmage in the UNI-Dome. If a team travels to the playoff site the day prior to the game, they may not practice on the official playing field; however, another facility could be used for the team to loosen up and exercise.

3. Penalty for violation of football rule pertaining to practices: Any team that violates the abovementioned rule is automatically eliminated from playoff consideration. If they are participating in the playoffs, the team they last defeated in the playoffs will advance. If the championship games have been played prior to the knowledge of the violation, all trophies, medals and certificates will be collected and returned to the IHSAA. If it is the championship team that violates the rule, the runner-up becomes champion. If it is the runner-up team that commits a violation, then there will be no runner-up team for that year.

4. By recommendation of the Iowa Football Coaches Association and the Football Playoff Committee, teams will be permitted to dress all varsity players for any playoff game (home or away). Players and sideline/pressbox personnel on the varsity squad will be left to the discretion of the local school district’s Athletic Director and Football Coach with the understanding the IHSAA will provide awards for 33 players in 8-Player and Class A, 44 players in classes 1A and 2A, and for 55 players in classes 3A, 4A, and 5A.

NOTE: Varsity squad sizes will be left to the discretion of the local schools Athletic Director and Football Coach. Varsity players are defined as those players who suit up and participate or who are considered backup players for varsity positions due to loss of a varsity player in varsity games during the regular season. Varsity players do not include players who only played Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior Varsity teams during the regular season.

5. The Football Playoff Committee recommended, and the Board of Control approved, that school administrators will verify playoff rosters and sideline/pressbox personnel for first round playoff games and subsequent rounds. If the number of sideline/pressbox personnel is more than the allotted number by the IHSAA, the schools will purchase tickets for those individuals in addition to the allotted number and they will be allowed to be on the sideline.

The IHSAA allotted numbers for sideline/pressbox personnel are as follows for 1st Round, 2nd Round, Quarterfinal:

• Classes A & 8-Player Schools — 8 sideline/pressbox personnel
• Classes 1A & 2A — 10 sideline/pressbox personnel
• Classes 3A, 4A & 5A — 14 sideline/pressbox personnel
• Any additional sideline/pressbox personnel more than the numbers listed above must purchase a ticket.

6. All members of the varsity squad of a school which is participating may attend and dress for the finals at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls as determined by the school’s Athletic Director and Football Coach.

7. Videotaping or filming is permissible in scouting your opponent.

8. The school agrees to utilize Hometown Ticketing as its method of collection admissions and agrees to follow IHSAA policies and procedures in collecting admissions.

9. The host schools shall receive a fee of $700 guaranteed for hosting football playoffs. The following schedule will be used for determining whether the host school is to receive more than $700:

11% of gross gate receipts up to $15,000 gross receipts, plus 5% of gross receipts beyond $15,000, with a minimum host allowance of $700.

10. It is recommended that the Class A and 8-Player playoff hosts furnish two policemen in uniform. For Class 1A and 2A, three policemen in uniform.  For Class 3A, it is recommended the host school provide five policemen in uniform. For the Class 4A & 5A, it is recommended the host school provide seven policemen in uniform.
11. The host school shall furnish police protection as outlined previously, as well as ticket scanners, groundskeepers, timers, statisticians, and PA announcer.
12. The IHSAA will not reimburse any amount of money for the filming of the postseason games, whether it be first round, second round, quarterfinal, or semifinal games.
13. The team designated as the home team will wear dark jerseys and the visiting team will wear white jerseys.
14. Even though the IHSAA has requested that the host school playoff manager secure the services of medical personnel to be in attendance at the playoff game, we are asking that each team provide their own medical personnel to be in attendance, whether they are the home team or the visiting team, for the purpose of providing medical attention to any player who is in need of it.
15. Each school will be responsible for their own valuables. Have a ‘valuable bag’ for each game and have someone responsible for picking up items of value. Do not leave them in the locker room. Keep them under your team’s supervision. The IHSAA nor the host school will be responsible for your personal belongings.
16. The team bus driver will be permitted to sign in at the pass gate and identify him/herself as the team bus driver, signing his/her name and the school.
17. Each school is permitted up to five (5) chaperones for supervision with no admission charge.
18. Superintendent, Principal, and Athletic Director administrator identification cards entitle the school administrator and spouse complimentary admission into all postseason games.

STATE PLAYOFFS PROGRAM INFORMATION

If your team qualifies for the postseason, we need your team photo to be prepared for sending to the IHSAA following a round of 16 victory. If your team advances to the semifinals, the photo will be used for publication purposes. Please email photos and questions to: [email protected]. Once the qualifying teams have been decided, the IHSAA office will also send you a program questionnaire. ​

Video Information

FILM EXCHANGE

The Football Playoff Committee, through a recommendation from the Iowa Football Coaches Association, has recommended that any violations which occur in film exchange during the playoffs, will be reported to the Football Coaches Association Board of Directors. This board will publicly reprimand any coach in violation of football playoff film exchange policy after due process procedures have been exhausted. The Board of Control at the January, 2015 meeting approved the following policy for football playoff teams film exchange as submitted by the Board of Directors of the Iowa Football Coaches Association. The policy is as follows: If an agreement cannot be reached on the films to be exchanged, then number the films and exchange as follows:

• First Round (Games 7-8-9);
• Quarterfinals (Games 8-9-10);
• Semifinals (Games 9-10-11);
• Finals (Games 10-11-12);

NOTE: Teams playing an eight-game schedule would exchange games (6-7-8) for first round games; (7-8-9) for quarterfinal round games; (8-9-10) for semifinal games; (9-10-11) for the championship games; (10-11-12).

 The Iowa Football Coaches Association and the Football Playoff Committee feel that the film exchange is a vital part of our football playoff program.

Filming is permissible in scouting your opponent. Space for filming for scouting is not required of host school.

VIDEO GUIDELINES FOR POSTSEASON EXCHANGE

The Iowa Football Coaches Association feels that the exchange of game tapes is a vital part of our football program. Each year both the Iowa Football Coaches Association and the Iowa High School Athletic Association receive concerns regarding the quality and integrity of game tapes. The Iowa Football Coaches Association based, on a recommendation from the Football Playoff Advisory Committee has created the following guidelines to help with the consistency of how games are recorded and exchanged. Any issues or concerns regarding postseason film exchange need to be addressed with the Iowa Football Coaches Association. The Iowa Football Coaches Association understands and appreciates that often times volunteers and students are those that have the responsibility to videotape. Hopefully, these general guidelines will allow practice and improve consistency in the game exchange process.

General Points:

1. Close up shots are not often necessary. Zoom in on the players as the play ends to see how both teams are moving, blocking, and tackling.
2. Do not zoom out too much. The idea is to see the players, not empty grass. There is no need to see things off the football field.
3. Focus on the action. When the play starts, try to have all of the players on the screen. You should have the entire offensive backfield on one side and the entire defensive backfield on the other side.
4. Hold the camera as steady as possible and mute the sound if at all possible. Be sure that you are on “Record” or “Pause”. Check this before each play.
5. Remember, more is better. It is better to stop later than too soon. The coaches can edit time, but cannot regain a play.

Special Teams: Kickoff, Punt, Field Goal & Point after Touchdown

1. Take a wide angle shot of the teams as they line up. Keep all the players in the picture before the kick.
2. After the kick, focus on the return team. Do not track the ball in the air. Simply pan back to the returner and capture the blockers and coverage as they come to him.
3. Keep the returner on one side of the screen and slowly zoom in as the players converge on the returner.

Scrimmage Plays:

1. Start to record as the offensive team breaks the huddle. Show the defensive front seven and the offensive line. Then zoom back to show the formation and any motion.
2. Running Plays: Follow the runner to include the blockers and defenders in the area as you close in on the action.
3. Passing Plays: Zoom out to include all players on the screen. The quarterback should be on one side of the screen with defenders and pass patterns on the other side of the screen. Once the ball is thrown, treat like a kick. Do not film the ball in the air, but instead follow the action on the field.
4. After the play ends, zoom in so the runner/receiver, blockers and tacklers can be seen as they unpile.
5. Film referee’s preliminary signal after each penalty.
6. Film the scoreboard after each score and at the start of each quarter.

VIDEO ACCESS: MEDIA OR SCHOOL

Media outlets, participating schools, or interested individuals wanting to broadcast an IHSAA postseason lead-up event must review policies and fees for video access.

If host schools belong to NFHS Network School Broadcast Program, they do not need to submit an application for football postseason games at their facilities. All other interested organizations review policies, fees, and complete an application through the link below.

2023-24 Video Access

Finals Information

The UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls will be the site of the semifinals and finals.

School Information

Each school must make its own arrangements for housing and food at the site of the championship game, as well as furnishing their own towels and being responsible for their valuables.  Outside food is not allowed in the UNI-Dome.  Please contact the UNI-Dome staff in regards to bringing in outside food into the locker room area.

Team Information

1. Home team will be on east sideline and their fans will be seated on the east side of the Dome.
2. Visiting teams, the team wearing white colored jerseys, will be on the west sideline and fans will sit on the west side of Dome.
3. When your team arrives at the UNI-Dome, you may unload your bus north of the Dome in the Physical Education Complex parking lot. This is where your locker rooms will be located and an attendant will meet your team to direct you to your locker room. IHSAA personnel will also be available to answer any questions you may have.
4. Bus drivers, after you have unloaded your team and equipment, you will park your bus in the north parking lots, north of the Physical Education Complex. A UNI parking lot attendant will give you directions as to where your bus should be parked.
5. Participating team bus drivers will be permitted to sign-in at the pass gate (Annex between McLeod Center and UNI-Dome) by identifying him/herself and signing his/her name and school.
6. Teams are assured of at least a 30 minute warm-up period before their game, however, there may be more than 30 minutes depending upon when the previous game is concluded, the awards presented, and the field cleared.
7. The IHSAA allotted numbers for sideline/pressbox personnel are as follows for the semifinals and finals:
   • Classes A & 8-Player teams will have 12 sideline/pressbox passes.
   • Class 1A & 2A teams will have 15 sideline/pressbox passes.
   • Class 3A, 4A & 5A teams will be issued 18 sideline/pressbox passes.
   • Note: The coaches in the press box team booth are required to have a sideline/pressbox pass.
   • Schools may purchase additional sideline personnel passes at the Annex between the McLeod Center and the UNI-Dome.
8. Football playoff expense allowances are as follows:
   • 8-Player and A schools will be based on a 33-player squad, plus expenses for 8 additional people.
   • Class 1A and 2A schools will be based on a 44-player squad, plus expenses for 10 additional people.
   • Class 3A, 4A and 5A schools will be based on a 55-player squad, plus expenses for 14 additional people.
   • This policy was agreed upon by the IFCA and the Football Playoff Advisory committee when squad sizes were eliminated by the Board of Control.

10. The expense allowance for participating schools  are as follows:
    • 8-Player, A, 1A and 2A schools will be reimbursed $4.20 per mile, one way.
    • Class 3A, 4A and 5A schools will be reimbursed $7.35 per mile, one way.
    • Schools traveling less than 99 miles will receive $10 per individual based on the traveling party size in #9.
    • Schools traveling greater than 99 miles and not using lodging will receive $20 per individual based on the traveling party size in #9.
    • Schools traveling greater than 99 miles electing to use lodging will receive $40 per individual based on the traveling party size in #9.
11. Do not leave valuables in your locker room. Have a ‘valuables bag’ and assign someone on your staff to be responsible for your players’ and coaches’ valuables. Do not leave them in the locker room area.
12. Each participating school may provide their Wilson GST footballs. The IHSAA will have footballs on site if needed.
13. Following the game, there will be an awards presentation for both teams. Please respect your opponent and return to the vicinity of your sideline and respect your opponent receiving their awards and trophies. Following the championship team photo, schools will have 10 minutes to celebrate their accomplishments before being asked to exit the field.
14. Coaches, all postgame interviews will take place in the designated interview room located near the locker rooms. No interviews will be conducted on the field, in the tunnels, garage areas, or any area leading to the interview rooms. Interviews are to take place approximately 15 minutes after the completion of the game.
15. Athletic training services will be available to your team by the UNI Athletic Training Staff, if you desire.
16. Team pictures will be taken 1 hour and 30 minutes before your scheduled semifinal game time. An IHSAA staff member will escort your team to the picture area.
17. Autograph footballs and team plaques will be provided to each team in the Championship Game. Autograph Ball & Team Plaque Allocation:

• • Eight-Player & Class A: number on roster up to 33 players plus coach and school (35 footballs and plaques)
  • Classes 1A, 2A: number on roster up to 44 players plus coach and school (46 footballs and plaques)
  • Classes 3A, 4A, 5A: number on roster up to 55 players plus coach and school (57 footballs and plaques)
  • Please Note: Additional autograph footballs and plaques may be purchased through the IHSAA.

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