Amid a debate that has gone on for years in Ohio high school football circles, the Ohio High School Athletic Association is lifting 7-on-7 restrictions for Ohio prep athletes.
On Friday, the OHSAA announced 7-on-7 competition is now permitted any time before or after a high school athlete's football season with the exception of a 28-day no-contact window after their prep season ends.
Under previous guidelines, 7-on-7 competitions were not permitted until May 15. The OHSAA Board of Directors unanimously approved the change.
“We have been talking about the football 7-on-7 regulation for some time and we believe that football should be treated the same as our other team sports, essentially allowing football athletes the same opportunities as their peers in other team sports,” OHSAA executive director Doug Ute said in a statement.