NFHS AUTHENTICATING MARK PROGRAM

If you are planning to start the process for NFHS approval, already in the process and stuck, or just want to learn about it, you are in the right spot. This article will cover NFHS authenticating mark program in general, why NFHS approval is important, and step by step process.

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WHY NFHS APPROVAL IS IMPORTANT?

NFHS approval and carrying NFHS approved products for brands is extremely important in the US as it opens opportunities for brands to work with high schools and colleges. High schools always use official NFHS authenticated sports equipment in matches, even their students and coaches prefer buying NFHS authenticated products. NFHS approved brands get preference in vendor application evaluations by cities or intendent school districts (ISDs). Beyond the opportunity to generate more sells, the royalty paid to NFHS helps them support high school and youth players. This is a great cause for brands to be part of and see very small portion of their revenue being used to develop next generation sports stars.

NFHS AUTHENTICATING MARK PROGRAM PROCESS

The best resource to start is the official guide by NFHS itself. They call this process as Authentication Mark Program. The web page lists two documents one explaining the process step by step and the other covering each sport in detail. The link to their web page is presented below:
https://tools.nfhs.org/AuthenticatingMark

Step I. Application:

The process itself is pretty simple compared to other licensing like FIFA or NCAA.  For all sports, the first step is to reach out to the contact person listed on their official web page. The authorized individual will then share an application link to be filled and signed on the K12licensing hub portal. The application includes basic information about your company and business and products of interest. Once the application is submitted, it takes about 2-3 weeks for the board to approve it.

NFHS does charge one time fee of about $500 and 5% royalty on each sale as of Jan 2026. Please note that the royalties and sales data are submitted quarterly to NFHS. However, $400 royalty ($100 per quarter) is charged during the application process for first time licensee.

Keep in mind that the business will need to submit insurance certificate. This can be submitted as part of the application or after the application is approved. Depending on the type of product being authenticated, the insurance requested can be 1 million or 3 million. The higher limit of 3 millions is required for high risk or consumable products like electronics or sporting goods as shown in the image below:

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Source: From official guide document shared by NFHS employee

One of the complicated parts of the application process is getting the insurance. Some companies may already be carrying business insurance, but the problem the is faced by new brands or businesses just starting out (small businesses) or even the experienced ones having lower insurance limits than required by NFHS. This is where the expertise of ASI soccers knocks in to rescue you.

At ASI soccers, we help our clients in the application process, manufacture lab ready products for testing and help brands launch products that are ready to be authenticated by NFHS, more on that later.

Based on our experience and recommendations from NFHS officials, ASI soccers recommend following insurance companies for consideration:

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Please note that we do not have partnered with any of these insurance companies and nor does NFHS. These are solely recommended because of their services, ease of application, and costs.

To help educate small business owners and new brands starting out, expect your monthly insurance cost ranging from $19 (1m) on the lower side to as high as $200 (3m). To lower your costs, consider NEXT insurance. They have one of the best rates and the easiest process. For one of our clients, who launched NFHS approved soccer balls, the monthly insurance was about 100 usd as the required limits were 3 million.

It is worth noting here that NEXT insurance offers maximum 2 million general liability insurance and it may be below the limits of 3 million requested by NFHS. Well, the good news is that NFHS accepts umbrella limits and NEXT insurance offers additional 2 million umbrella limits helping you meet the NFHS requirements.

If you are getting your insurance through an agent, make sure they sell you the cheapest insurance and not rob your money. Some agents try selling you expensive insurances so that they can get higher fees. But don’t fall for the trap and always consider the limits suggested by ASI soccers. We recommend not paying more than 200 usd to agents in fees as there are many insurance agents out in the market offering excellent services at lower costs.

Step II. License Agreement: 

Once the application has been approved and insurance certificate has been submitted, the next step is to sign the agreement. This process is very simple and needs review of the agreement and signatures from both parties.

Step III. Product Testing:

Now as your application is approved, you will need to submit six (6) samples to labs for testing. The labs must meet ASIL or ASTM requirements. The labs will then submit pass/fail data to NFHS. Following labs are recommended by NFHS and mostly used by brands for testing:

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Source: Official Authentication mark program guide by NFHS

As an approximate based on ASI soccers past experiences, the cost of testing six samples ranges from 450-600 usd depending on lab chosen. This includes testing fee for 6 samples, administrative fee, and results submission fee.

Please do note that at this stage the samples sent for testing does not need to have the final artwork and can be any of design while not carrying NFHS mark strictly.

Step IV: Artwork Approvals:

Once the testing step is complete, you will need t submit artwork for approvals. The artwork will feature NFHS logo and will follow sizing requirements set by NFHS. The guidelines are listed in the official document on page 11.

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Source: NFHS authentication mark manual

ASI soccers have helped clients in placing the NFHS mark on their artworks and finished products to the correct dimensions per NFHS.

Step V: Finished Samples:

After the artwork has been approved and the test results have been passed, Licensees must sent final product carrying NFHS mark. The NFHS and K12 Licensing will review the finished product to ensure it matches the artwork and carry the correct size NFHS mark etc.

Step VI: Product Authentication:

Congratulations, the lest step involves receiving written letter from NFHS granting you the approval for using the NFHS mark on your products.

Please do not produce bulk quantities before all six steps are completed.

We hope that this extensive guide has helped you smoothly process the NFHS approval process. If you need help wit the application process, please do reach out and our team would be more than happy to assist you.

ASI soccers is one the leading sports manufacturer in Pakistan. ASI soccers specializes in sportswear, sports balls, gloves, and sporting equipment. We have extensive experience in producing the best quality NFHS approved sports balls like soccer balls, baseballs, basketballs, volleyballs, and lacrosse balls. Please reach out to ASI soccers for manufacturing premium quality NFHS approved products.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. Is NFHS approval worth it for small brands?

Yes, NFHS approval is totally worth it for small brands since the approval costs and royalties paid are very small compared to the bigger customer market access.

  • Is there an application fee for NFHS Authenticating Mark Program?

Yes, NFHS charges $500 one-time fee as application processing fee and 5% royalties are paid quarterly on each sale.

  • What is the NFHS royalty fee?

NFHS charges 5% royalty on each sale for products authenticated. This fee is used to support players and schools in sports and develop next generation stars.

  • What insurance is required for NFHS approval?

NFHS requires general liability insurance with different limits depending on product type discussed in detail above.

How Long Does NFHS Approval Take?

The NFHS approval takes about 4-6 weeks on average. Application approval and agreement takes about 2 weeks, and then sending samples to labs and getting back results can take 2 weeks, while sending end sample to NFHS, it’s inspection, and final approval certificate may take about 2 weeks.

Can You Get NFHS Certification Without Manufacturing Your Own Balls?

Yes! Even if you do not manufacture your own footballs, distributors, brands, and importers can submit balls for NFHS certification. ASI Soccer provides fully certified balls that any U.S. school or club can order without producing them themselves.

Why Should Schools and Clubs Use NFHS Balls?

To ensure fair play and high standard of play, only NFHS approved balls are used in official matches and school leagues.

How Long Does NFHS Certification Last?

There is no expiry date of NFHS certification. Once a product is approved and royalties are paid on time, and the agreement is in good standings, the license is valid without any expiry.

Benefits of NFHS Certification

Carrying NFHS approved equipment open opportunities for brands to sell products to high schools, colleges, leagues, and coaches in bulk.

Who Supplies NFHS Official Match Balls?

NFHS-approved balls come from certified manufacturers. ASI Soccer is one of the trusted suppliers, ensuring balls meet all NFHS standards and are ready for high school and club competitions.

About ASI Soccer

ASI Soccer has decades of experience manufacturing high-quality sporting equipment including but not limited to soccer balls, volleyballs, basketballs, baseballs, soccer goalkeeper gloves, and sportswear for international brands. Their NFHS-approved balls combine durability, consistent performance, and excellent bounce, making them ideal for U.S. schools, clubs, and leagues.

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