This doesn't really add anything substantial to the debate, but I did find several references (none sourced to the NFHS) online to a
2013-14 NFHS clarification of this issue.
I actually don't remember this NFHS
clarification, can't find the original NFHS source, but (if true) it does bring the issue one year closer to the present (but it's still ancient history at seven years old).
Move forward to 2013-14 where NFHS further clarified in a Point of Emphasis the two varieties of this contact. Rule an intentional Foul when contact above the shoulders is not the result of excessively swinging the elbows – but in past seasons might have been ruled a common player control foul. Rule a flagrant Foul when contact above the shoulders is the result of excessively swinging the elbows. Remember, in scholastic contests, when a player “excessively swings” their elbows, at a minimum, a violation should be ruled even if no contact is made. If the contact is the result of excessive swinging prior to the official stopping play (for a violation) then a flagrant foul may be ruled – unless the contact is judged to be “slight of nature.” Penalizing rebounders for contacting defenders with their elbows, when pivoting to release an outlet pass should be at a minimum be ruled intentional – with the possibility of being flagrant, based on the “excessive nature” of the swinging.
Ohio Valley Board Of Approved Basketball Officials, Dec 13, 2019 (not a NFHS source):
https://www.ovboardbasketballofficia...-the-shoulders. Accompanying video:
https://video.wixstatic.com/video/e4...p/mp4/file.mp4
Sixty Seconds On Officiating (followup to 2014 post), 2019 (not a NFHS source):
https://ref60.com/2019/01/my-elbow-cant-do-that/
Sixty Seconds On Officiating, 2014 (not a NFHS source):
https://ref60.com/2014/11/elbow-contact-above-shoulder/
And I've already posted this "flawed" IAABO International play commentary, January 20, 2021 (not a NFHS source, no mention of more recent clarification):
https://forum.officiating.com/basket...ml#post1042125
Also, I found two illustrations from the original NFHS 2012-13 Point of Emphasis:
Why has the NFHS "left us hanging"?
If the POE "guidelines" no longer apply, retract them.
If they do apply, put them in the current rulebook, or casebook, or at the minimum, emphasize it again.
Fish, or cut bait.
Stupid NFHS.
Or, am I stupid for believing that these POE "guidelines" still apply in high school basketball
؟ (It's a rhetorical question, note the reverse question mark, not intended to be answered.)