2022 Fall Sports Rules Changes

[Alum-Ni]

Rule changes for the fall sports season for the 2022-23 school year

VOLLEYBALL

3-1-3 PENALTY, 4-2 PENALTY 3: Adds language allowing state associations to determine the appropriate action/penalty for when padding requirements are not met and a team does not have six legal uniforms.

Rationale: Clarifies that state associations have the authority to determine the action and/or penalty(s), if necessary, to address the issues.

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4-1-6: Allows hair adornments provided they are securely fastened and do not present a safety hazard while eliminating the length limitation of 2 inches for bobby pins, flat clips and flat barrettes.

Rationale: Creates inclusivity of hair styles while maintaining that the risk of injury to the athlete, teammates and opponents should not be compromised.

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4-2-1f: Eliminates the manufacturer logo/trademark/reference restrictions on the waistband ONLY of the uniform bottom.

Rationale: Allows for multiple and eliminates size restrictions of manufacturer logos/trademarks/references on the uniform waistband ONLY, minimizing issues related to illegal uniform bottoms.

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5-6-3b, e; 5-7-3d: Eliminates the sounding of the audio device when an improper server or an illegal libero replacement is recognized by the official's table and establishes that the official scorer shall notify the second referee during the first dead ball.

Rationale: Allows the match to continue without interruption until the second referee is notified and can verify the improper server/illegal replacement during the next dead ball.

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7-1-2c (NEW): Requires the head coach to indicate the playing captain with a "C" next to the player's number on the lineup.

Rationale: Aligns language in the Case Book and Officials Manual that requires playing captains to be indicated on the lineup.

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11-2-1: Allows requests for timeouts by the head coach or playing captain to be signaled or verbalized.

Rationale: Establishes that both verbal and non-verbal signals for a time-out are permitted.

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12-2-5a: Adds that assistant coaches may stand during a dead ball situation and ask the second referee to verify the number of substitutions used by their team.

Rationale: Clarifies that assistant coaches may ask the second referee, during a dead-ball situation, for the number of time-outs and/or the number of substitutions used by their team.

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[Alum-Ni]

VOLLEYBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS

1. Sportsmanship
Good sporting behavior is one of the fundamental ingredients to the continued success and enjoyment of education-based high school sports and activities. In fact, in the 103-year history of organized high school sports in the United States, good sportsmanship has been one of the most important outcomes of high school activity programs.

NFHS playing rules are written to encourage sportsmanship. Participation in these programs should promote respect, integrity and sportsmanship. However, for these ideals to occur, everyone involved in these programs must be doing their part.

The NFHS is concerned that unsporting behavior in education-based athletics has increased across all sports. As a result, the NFHS has made sportsmanship the No. 1 Point of Emphasis for the 2022-23 school year.

Sportsmanship, or good sporting behavior, is about treating one another with respect and exhibiting appropriate behavior. It is about being fair, honest and caring. When these types of appropriate behavior occur, competitive play is more enjoyable for everyone.

Coaches set the tone at athletic contests with their display of sportsmanship. If these individuals act in a sportsmanlike manner, their behavior sets the tone for players, spectators and others. If coaches, however, are complaining constantly about the decision of contest officials, spectators are more likely to do the same.

There must be a collaborative, working relationship between contest officials and game administration to promote good sportsmanship and safely conduct the contest. Everyone has their roles to play in creating a positive, sportsmanlike atmosphere at contests.

Officials should focus on the actions of players, coaches and other bench/sideline personnel. A positive, open line of communication between officials and coaches ultimately results in a better contest for everyone involved.

Contest officials, however, should never engage with spectators who are exhibiting unsporting behavior. Once the contest begins, school administration is responsible for dealing with unruly spectators. A proactive approach by school administration includes monitoring the behavior of spectators and intervening as needed.

If spectators are using demeaning or profane language at officials – or at others in the stands – those individuals should be removed from the contest by school administration.

In recent years, a heightened level of unsportsmanlike behavior has been occurring by spectators at high school sporting events, and it must be stopped. The use of demeaning language, or hate speech, by students, parents and other fans must cease.

High school sports and other activities exist to lift people up, not demean or tear people down. The goal is to treat everyone fairly and treat each other with respect. Any speech or harassment that is insulting, demeaning or hurtful will not be tolerated.

High schools must establish a culture that values the worth of every single person – both players on the school’s team and players on the opposing team. There must be a no-tolerance policy regarding behavior that shows disrespect for another individual.

Good sports win with humility, lose with grace and do both with dignity. It takes the efforts of everyone every day to ensure that sportsmanship remains one of the top priorities in education-based activity programs.

2. Playable-Nonplayable Situations
It is the responsibility of the host school to adhere to the requirements of both the court and all game equipment as outlined in Rules 2 and 3. The match shall not be played when padding requirements are not met and the state association shall be notified to determine further action or penalty, as deemed necessary. When game equipment, other than required padding, does not meet rule specifications, the match shall be conducted, and the improper conditions reported to the appropriate authority.

Officials evaluate each site before their assigned match and determine playable and nonplayable areas, keeping risk minimization and fairness in mind in the application of the rules. Confusion occurs when officiating crews interpret ground rules differently at a school within the same season and/or the same week. State or regional assignors may create and provide a compilation of ground rules for each school prior to each season to help mitigate potential confusion.

Upon arrival to a site, officials may need to establish and communicate ground rules during the pre-match conference addressing the following:

• Extended space needed for serving when the minimum 6 feet (2 meters) is not available;
• Change of playing surface;
• Adjacent courts and the encroachment of players – during and after contact;
• Divider nets;
• Playing area between the official’s table and benches;
• Overhead obstructions (basketball goals, batting cages, wrestling and/or cheer mats, running tracks, ceiling fans, speakers, beams, air ducts, divider curtains, ropes, lighting, banners, flags, scoreboard, etc.).

During a match, referees are tested when a player pursues a teammate’s errant pass near the bleachers or another nonplayable area. The rules allow a player to retrieve a ball near a nonplayable area, if a body part is in contact with the playable area during the player’s contact of the ball – regardless of if a foot or another body part is in the nonplayable area. It is not the location of the ball, but the locale of the player. A player can reach into a nonplayable area. A player can also enter the nonplayable area after contact. Being in contact with anything to gain an advantage, like a chair or first row of bleacher, is illegal.

While playing a ball near spectators, a fan might interfere with a player or the ball, even without contacting the ball or player. Referees must determine if the player had a legitimate effort to make a play. There are times when both referees need to convene to decide if there was interference and the play should be replayed or if the ball is ruled dead.

3. Injury Procedures
General: Risk minimization is the officials’ primary responsibility. If an injury occurs during play, either referee can suspend play by sounding a loud double whistle and holding up both hands. Both officials should signal a referee’s time-out.

• The first referee remains on the stand, while the second referee allows the injured players’ coach or medical staff to attend to the injured player.
• Line Judges should take their time-out position near the first referee.
• All officials should refrain from taking a position near the injured player, as it may appear that the official is assessing the injury.
• The rule allows the coach 30 seconds to decide on continuing to play, substituting for the injured player, or taking a time-out (if the team still has one remaining). The second referee should use common sense when starting and stopping their watch and approach the difficult situation with compassion and flexibility while enforcing the rules.
• The second referee needs to communicate with one of the injured team’s coaches regarding their options and then explain that they have 30 seconds to choose an option before starting the watch.
• A player does not have to be moved within the 30-second period. Only team personnel or medical staff decides on the appropriateness of moving an injured player, regardless of how long it may take.
• If the coach opts to substitute, the injured player does not follow normal substitution protocol.
• Once the injured player is removed from the playing surface safely, the second referee follows the substitution protocol – signal/whistle – to ensure that the substitute is recognized and recorded by the scorer.
• If play was interrupted, the referees will administer a replay and continue play.
• The injured player who is legally replaced may return to the set.

Blood Situations:

• As soon as an official recognizes blood on a player, uniform, equipment or playing surface, play shall be suspended.
• Team personnel can aid a player.
• If there is blood on a jersey or player equipment, it must be appropriately cleaned or removed.
• The referees will allow a player to change jerseys – away from the court area.
• The second referee should scan the court to ensure there is no blood.
• The second referee should check the game ball(s) to ensure there is no evidence of blood.
• Medical staff can attend to the court and game ball(s) with the appropriate solution to remove any blood.

Concussion Protocols:
Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.

It is not the responsibility of an official to assess a potential concussion.

It is appropriate for an official to suggest to a coach to attend to a player exhibiting the above signs refraining from assessing that you think the player has a concussion.

Exceptional Substitution:
If a team has exhausted its allowable 18 substitutions or no legal substitutes are available, and an injury occurs where a replacement is needed, a team may be granted an exceptional substitute in priority order.

• By a teammate who has never played in the set or a player who has played in that position.
• By any non-libero teammate on the bench who is not currently being replaced by the libero.
• By a libero if no other possible substitutes exist. (Must change jerseys.) The substitute counts as a team substitution and the injured player cannot re-enter that set if replaced by an exceptional substitute.

 

[Alum-Ni]

SOFTBALL

1-2-1: Clarifies bases may be designed to disengage from their anchor system.

Rationale: This change places rule language with other regulations covering the field and its equipment.

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1-3-3: Aligns ball tolerance specifications with other rule codes.

Rationale: Balls manufactured with the former specifications will be permitted through 2024, to allow for manufacturers and schools to reduce current inventory. The new ball specifications are permitted for use during the 2021-2022 season and will be required by January 1, 2025.

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3-2-5b: Removes the language prohibiting hard items to control the hair in the sport of softball.

Rationale: Clarifies adornment such as beads can be worn in the hair and aligns language with other NFHS rules codes.

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3-2-5c: Permits players to wear soft and secure headwear for religious purposes without prior state association approval.

Rationale: Eliminates the need for authorization from the state associations for religious headwear.

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3-5-3: When in live ball areas, a coach shall be attired in a school uniform or jersey/coaching shirt with slacks, shorts or other leg coverings in school colors or colors of khaki, black, white or gray.

Rationale: Updated language clarifies items which can be worn by coaches in a live-ball area.

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3-6-21 & PENALTY: Establishes the penalty when a damaged bat that was previously removed is re-introduced into the game.

Rationale: The penalty outlines protocol for dealing with situations in which a damaged bat is removed, then re-introduced into the game.

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6-2-2 & NOTE: Removes language from Rule 6-2-2 and places it as a NOTE under the PENALTY.

Rationale: The language and rule reference is a reminder to players, coaches and officials about distracting itmes worn by the pitcher, but is not a part of Rule 6-2-2.

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8-2-6: Clarifies a runner is considered outside the running lane when either foot last contacting the ground completely outside the lane.

Rationale: New language more adequately describes the intent of the rule and will provide more consistent enforcement.

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POINTS OF EMPHASIS

1. Huddles between innings
If a team chooses to huddle on the field after a third out while the other team is warming up, care should be taken to ensure they do so in a safe location. In between innings as the defensive team takes the field and begins to throw the ball, the offensive team should only huddle in an area that does not impede the warm-up of the defensive team nor places them in areas where overthrows are likely. Huddling should be limited to the amount of time needed for the defensive players to make their warm-up throws, during the one minute permitted by rule. Huddling in appropriate areas will assist with minimizing risk to participants.

2. Guidance for pitching utilization
The past several years have seen an increasing concern regarding overuse injuries of the shoulder and elbow among softball pitchers at the high school level. The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) and the NFHS Softball Rules Committee continue to monitor injury rates of high school softball players through the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study [High School Reporting Online (RIO)], which is an annual collection of injuries experienced while participating in high school sports. The injury data are presented to the NFHS Softball Rules Committee each year and reviewed when applicable to rule proposals.

At this point in time, the available injury data do not warrant the implementation of pitch or inning limitations for high school softball. Proper technical, mental, nutritional and physical training before, during and after pitching with appropriate rest and recovery time are important components in the development of a softball pitcher, from youth through high school. The development of multiple pitchers on a team will help share the pitching load as well.

The NFHS Softball Rules Committee and the NFHS SMAC will continue to monitor RIO and other available research regarding shoulder and elbow injury risk for high school softball pitchers.

3. Assisting a runner
To score a run, the runner must legally advance to and touch first, second, third and then home plate. Coaches or any other team personnel are not permitted to assist a runner in any manner during playing action. When a home run occurs, although the ball is out of play (enters dead-ball territory), runners have live-ball running responsibilities and are still required to legally run the bases. If someone other than another runner physically assists a runner, the assisted runner is ruled out. Similarly, if the runner passes another runner they would be ruled out. Lastly, if the runner misses a base and it is properly appealed, the runner would also be ruled out.

4. Simulating taking a sign
While the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate and prior to bringing the hands together the pitcher must take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher. A signal may be taken from a coach either by hand signal, verbal call, or by looking up on a wristband with a playbook/playcard. This signal can be taken while in contact with the pitcher’s plate or while standing behind the pitcher’s plate prior to taking a position in contact with the pitcher’s plate. None of these actions are illegal by rule; the only requirement is that no matter where or from whom the actual signal is obtained, the pitcher must take a position with the pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate with the hands separated and simulate taking a signal from the catcher. Requiring the pitcher to take their position in contact with the pitching plate and simulating taking a signal from the catcher prior to bringing their hands together allows the batter to prepare themselves for the start of the pitch. If the pitcher does not pause after stepping onto the pitcher’s plate to simulate taking a signal from the catcher prior to bring their hands together, an illegal pitch should be called.

 

[Alum-Ni]

FOOTBALL

1-2-3g NOTES 3 (NEW): Team box may be extended by State Association adoption.

Rationale: By state association adoption, the team box may now be extended beyond the 25-yard line

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1-3-3: Ball may be changed between downs.

Rationale: Any game official may order the ball changed between downs.

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1-4-3: The number "0" is now legal

Rationale: The single digit number "0" is now a legal number for use on legal jerseys. However any number preceded by the digit zero will still be illegal (i.e. "01, 04, 07", etc.)

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2-3-8: A Chop Block has been redefined

Rationale: A chop block has been redefined as an illegal combination block where contact is made above and below the waist. The block is now described as "a combination block by two or more teammates against an opponent other than the runner, with or without delay, where one of the blocks is below the waist and one of the blocks is above the waist." Previously, the defensive player's knee was used to determine the high and low components of a chop block.

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3-4-7: Clarified the offended team's game clock options

Rationale: Clarified the offended team's game clock options following a foul committed with less than two minutes remaining in either half. Any foul committed within the last two minutes of either half will automatically result in the offended team's option to start the game clock on the snap. Prior to this change, the offended team was required to accept its opponent's penalty in order to gain control of the game clock.

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3-6-1a(1)e EXCEPTION 2 (NEW): Added a new exception to the play clock administration

Rationale: Added a new exception to the play clock administration following a foul committed only by the defensive team. This rule now includes an exception mandating that a 40-second play clock be employed following a foul committed only by the defensive team.

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7-5-2 EXCEPTION 2 (NEW): Added a new exception for the passer

Rationale: Added a new exception that allows the passer to legally throw the ball away to conserve yardage. A player is now permitted to throw an incomplete forward pass without warranting an intentional grounding penalty provided the passer is outside of "the pocket" (lateral boundary of the free-blocking zone) and the pass reaches the neutral zone or the extension of the neutral zone beyond the sideline.

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POINTS OF EMPHASIS

1. Targeting / Defenseless Player

2. Legal Uniforms and Equipment

3. Sportsmanship

 

[Llama57]

About time they allow throwing the ball away & it not being intentional grounding!

 

[Alum-Ni]

Some additional notes on Football for the 2022 season:

MARK FOOTBALL FIELD PROPERLY

- Rule 1-2-3: Lines and other markings
d. A 4-inch-wide 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, except in stadiums where the total playing enclosure does not permit the restraining line. It is recommended that the restraining line be marked by placing 12-inch-long lines, separated at 24-inch intervals

Note: Game administration may place 4-inch wide and 12-inch long bisecting marks along the restraining line at each 5-yard line between the goal lines

- Rule 2-26-8
A restraining line is a line placed around the outside of the field. No person, including but not limited to, spectators, game administrators or members of the media, shall be allowed within the restraining line. A maximum of three coaches as well as permitted nonplayers are allowed within the restraining line in front of the team box, as provided for in Rule 9-8-3.

- Rule 9-8-3
A nonplayer shall not be outside his team box unless to become a player or to return as a replaced player. A maximum of three coaches may be in the restricted area. No player, nonplayer or coach shall be in the restricted area when the ball is live.

Comments on these above rules:

- This rule is to minimize risk and other issues in dealing with sideline safety. This rule defines a restricted area where a maximum of three coaches may communicate with players and substitutes during dead-ball situations. This restricted area disintegrates and the coaches must retreat into the team box before the ball becomes live. There will no longer be an allowance for three coaches to remain in an area adjacent to the sideline during play. This new area results in a 2-yard belt that is clear of team personnel and helps eliminate sideline congestion while helping to minimize the risk for the participating players, coaches and officials.

- When the ball is dead, a maximum of three coaches may be in the restricted area. The two-yard area formerly known as the coaches' box has been renamed the restricted area and may only be used when the ball is dead. Once the ball is snapped, no non-player may be in the restricted area. The first offense results in a team warning; the second offense, a five-yard penalty for the sideline interference; and subsequent offenses, 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct charged to the head coach.

Tick Marks or Field Reference Marks:
These marks shall be 12 inches in length and 4 inches in width and shall be located 9 yards from each sideline on an 11-man football field and 7 yards from each sideline on an 8-man or 6-man football field. The 9-yard or 7-yard marks shall be marked so that at least each 10-yard line bisects the 9-yard or 7-yard marks. These marks shall not be required if the field is visibly numbered. If on-the-field numbers are used, the tops of those numbers shall be 9 yards from the sideline on the 11-man football field and 7 yards from the sideline on an 8-man or 6-man football field.

The football field must be marked properly and every possible hazard removed in compliance with the provisions of the rules. Unless the turf is in good condition, the players are subjected to unnecessary injury hazards. Extreme care should be taken to provide every protection possible.

 

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FOOTBALL HELMET WARNING LABELS REQUIRED
All players shall wear helmets that carry a warning label. (Please refer to page 17 of the 2022 NFHS Football Rules book for more detailed information.)

35-POINT RULE
35-Point, Running Clock Rule (All Classes): A running clock is used for regular-season and playoff games for six, eight, and eleven-man football whenever a 35-point differential in score is reached after the first half of play.

Normal clock operating and timing procedures resume if the point differential is reduced to fewer than 35 points. (The 35-point rule is optional for non-varsity competition.)

The continuous running clock will re-start at the following times:

1. During called timeouts. (Restart on the snap)
2. During the break between the 3rd and 4th quarters. (Restart on the snap)
3. Following a score. (Restart on the kickoff, 1st touching or ensuing snap, kick out of bounds or touchback)
4. During penalty enforcement (Restart on "ready for play")
5. Extended injury, if coach comes on the field (Restart on "ready for play")
6. Anytime the officials deem it necessary for safety reasons (Restart on "ready for play")
7. NOTE: NFHS RULE 3.1.3 - A period or periods may be shortened in any emergency by agreement of the opposing coaches and the referee. By mutual agreement of the opposing coaches and the referee, any remaining period may be shortened at any time or the game terminated.

LIME SHALL NOT BE USED
The NFHS football rules provide that lime of any kind shall not be used. Rule 1-2-3, page 12 of the NFHS Football Rules Book states: "Lines shall be marked with a non-caustic material." The following materials are among those satisfactory for marking fields and are reported not to burn or otherwise be injurious: Ben Franklin (Agricultural Gypsum), Chalk, Colored Earth, Double XX Primer, Field Marker, High Line, Land Plaster, Powdered Marble, Safe Line, U.S. Gypsum, White Earth and White Line Marker. Athletic field line marking material should be non-toxic and absolutely safe. It should be easy to apply and harmless to uniforms. The use of all types of lime is prohibited because of the possibility of injuries, principally burns which may result from its use.

SIDELINES AND FENCES AND GOAL POSTS
Outside the sidelines the rules require a "Team Box" be marked. There shall be a barrier, preferably a wire fence at a distance of at least 5 yards or more, to keep spectators and everyone having no official connection with the game, at a distance. If boxes for the players and coaches are on both sides of the field, they shall extend between the 25-yard lines. If both benches are on the same side, each shall extend from the 20-yard line to 45-yard line. These boxes shall be at least 2 yards from the sideline. Substitutes must remain within these boxes. Three coaches may be in the coaches' box, which is between the team box and the sideline.

Please make sure that the coaches' area and the team box area is properly marked. Also, it is recommended that a marking (dashed lines), be in place on the outside of the playing field so as to keep the media, non-game personnel, etc. away from the sideline. Barriers around the football field should be no closer than 5 yards or more from the sideline. All goal posts shall be padded with resilient, shock absorbing material to a height of at least 6 feet above the ground.

 

[Alum-Ni]

FOOTBALL CLOCK OPERATORS
Clock operators should meet with the officials 30-45 minutes prior to kick-off. It is the responsibility of the clock operator to go to the field and meet with officials. Do not conduct this meeting in the press box. Schools should have a stopwatch available at all games in the event the field clock stops or fails to work satisfactorily. The Football Clock Operators and/or Scoreboard Operators should be adults and not students. Please refer to the "General Instructions for Football Clock Operators" for more detailed information. Clock operators should review the 35-Point Rule and when the clock is started and stopped. Communication with the white hat is essential.

LINE-TO-GAIN CREW
In order for the Linesman to serve efficiently as a football official, he must have the assistance of good help in the person of a Boxman and two Chainmen. They should wear white jackets or other distinctive type of uniform so that they can be easily identified.

Football coaches and school administrators should select these assistants with care. They should have some knowledge of the game and, if possible, the same assistants should be used in each game. They must assume the attitude of an official and perform their duties according to the instructions of the Linesman. the Line-to-Gain Crew should be made up of all adults -- no students. These individuals should have the physical ability to handle the required responsibilities and should be able to move out of the way of a play coming out of bounds. They should report to the sideline opposite the press box approximately 15 minutes before game time to receive instructions. Please refer to the "General Instructions for Football Line-to-Gain Crews" for more detailed information. The Line-to-Gain Crew shall be 6 feet outside the sideline.

FOOTBALL PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCER
Activities Directors, coaches and officials need to make sure that the public address announcers at all football games are not doing live play-by-play announcing during the game. The announcers should be done announcing when the teams break the huddle and come to the line of scrimmage, and should not announce again until the play is concluded. There is to be no announcing while a play is in progress.

 

[Alum-Ni]

BANDS PLAYING DURING THE GAME

Please be sure your band instructors understand thee guidelines for all football games.

1. Bands are permitted during the State Football Playoffs.

2. Members MUST pay regular admission for all State Football Playoff games.

3. The participation of bands at a school football contest is an exciting aspect of the event. The band contributes to the event by increasing the level of excitement and adding a "touch of class" to the festivities. In order to maintain a proper perspective and to insure equity in competition for the participating teams, a few guidelines must be followed.

4. Band instruments, including drums, are not to be played at any time other than when the entire band is playing.

5. The use of artificial noisemakers is prohibited. (Examples: air horns, whistles, bells, etc.) Megaphones are to be used by cheerleaders only.

6. During the contest, bands are to play only during pre-game, halftime, post-game, the time between quarters, time-outs (except injury time-outs) and between plays (stopping prior to the referee's whistle for "Ready to Play").

7. Bands seated near the end zone should not play if the line of scrimmage is inside the 10-yard line on the end close to the band. After a touchdown, field goal, extra point or safety, the band may play the school fight song, etc., however, the director must be sure to stop playing when the official blows the ready for play whistle to start the next play.

8. When bands want to warm-up prior to halftime, directors should arrange this so that it is done in an area that is not a distraction to the contest. Note: No whistles may be used while the game is in progress.

9. Because the band acts as a spirit group, embers should always act in a positive manner and must not do anything to distract or negatively affect the opposing team. It is the director's responsibility to prevent his/her band from playing at inappropriate times, playing inappropriate music, or taunting the opposing team.

10. The band must display courtesy and respect toward the players, cheerleaders, and fans. To do anything else is not only a distraction from the contest but also reflects negatively on the band, the director and the school. Support your school and team in a positive manner! Please be sure your band instructors understand these guidelines for all football games.

11. Please let the officials and the opposing team know when they arrive at the game site, if the intermission is going to be increased to a maximum of 20 minutes, if you're having special ceremonies or an extended band performance.