The NFHS has reaffirmed the 2012-13 POE on contact with an elbow above the shoulder. According to the IAABO newsletter
Sportorials, this occurred in September during an in-person interpretations meeting.
Clarifications offered by the NFHS:
Contact above the shoulders with a moving elbow
With a continued emphasis on reducing concussions and decreasing excessive contact situations, the committee reiterated its prior position:
Rule 9, Section 13:
ART. 1 A player shall not excessively swing his/her arms(s) or elbow(s), even without contacting an opponent. (Violation)
ART. 2 A player may extend arm(s) or elbow(s) to hold the ball under the chin or against the body. (No violation)
ART. 3 Action of arm(s) and elbow(s) resulting from total body movements as in pivoting or movement of the ball incidental to feinting with it, releasing it, or moving it to prevent a held ball or loss of control shall not be considered excessive. (No violation)
Examples of illegal contact above the shoulders and associated penalties:
- Contact with a stationary elbow of an opponent may be incidental contact or a common foul.
- An elbow in movement but not excessive should be ruled an intentional foul if contact with an opponent occurs.
- A moving elbow that is excessive can be either an intentional foul or flagrant personal foul if contact with an opponent occurs.