[BillyMac]

... but only on a free throw.

IAABO 2025–26 Corrections and Clarifications

Despite the best efforts of the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee, one of the ongoing challenges following the approval of new rules each year is ensuring that every related reference in both the Rules Book and Case Book is updated accurately. Even with multiple levels of review, occasional inconsistencies and oversights can still occur.

Once the NFHS publishes these changes, IAABO leaders must then interpret and integrate them into the IAABO Rules Guide, a process that can also present challenges. From time to time, we identify areas where revisions or clarifications are needed to ensure consistency across all publications.

This article highlights the corrections and clarifications that have been identified and addresses several frequently asked questions that have surfaced as officials prepare for the upcoming season.

Items marked with a single asterisk “*” have been posted on the NFHS website or addressed in a memo to state associations. Items marked with two asterisks “**” have been approved but not yet published.

Any affected items appearing in IAABO publications will be corrected in the 2026–27 Handbook. Some of the items that are currently unpublished may be updated throughout the season and we will update this information as it become available.

Goaltending (4‐22‐3, 9‐12 Penalty 1):

Another rule change that has garnered quite a bit of discussion is the goaltending rule. Now, the NFHS essentially has three distinct definitions of goaltending. One of the biggest changes was deleting the reference to offensive players within the rule. Now the rule only applies to defenders.

In addition, a third section was added to the rule to address blocked shots after a try has hit the backboard. The intention was to adopt the NCAA Men’s rule, but a key element of the wording was approved that is missing. That key aspect was that at least some part of the ball needs to be above the ring level and have a chance to go in for the rule to apply. This was not clearly indicated in the approved wording. We have approached the NFHS Rules editor, and she has approved a modification to the rule to make that clear. This approved change has yet to be published on the NFHS website or in any of their recent memos that they have released to state associations.

The proposed wording for a change to this rule is as follows:

**NFHS Rules Book Page 37 4‐22‐3
When the ball contacts the backboard, it is considered to be on its downward flight. In such a case, it is goaltending when any part of the ball is above the ring level and is touched by a defensive player as long as it has a possibility of entering the basket.

In addition, a rule reference was incorrect as it pertained to goaltending a free throw, in which a technical foul should also be assessed for that infraction. This change has been posted on the NFHS website as follows:

*NFHS Rules Book Page 65 – Rule 9‐12 Penalty 1
See Rule 10-4-8 9 for the additional penalty for goaltending during a free throw.