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December 3, 2025
NFHS Basketball Weekly Rule Interpretations
Rule Reference: 9-2-12 & 9-3-4 (NEW) – Thrower Returning Inbounds
Purpose
The purpose of this interpretation is to clarify the new rule addressing throwers who purposely and/or
deceitfully delay returning inbounds after legally being out of bounds and then become the first to touch
the ball upon re-entering the court.
Beginning in 2025, this action is treated as a violation instead of a technical foul. This change:
• Reduces severity: Shifts from a technical foul (which carried harsher consequences) to a
violation, aligning with similar out-of-bounds provisions.
• Encourages consistency: Officials can more uniformly enforce the rule across varying situations.
• Prevents unfair advantage: Eliminates deceptive tactics used by throwers to delay and then reenter in a way that disrupts fair play.
Rule Language
9-2-12 & 9-3-4 (NEW):
“A thrower who purposely and/or deceitfully delays returning inbounds after legally being out of bounds
and then becomes the first player to touch the ball upon re-entering the court commits a violation. This
was previously penalized as a technical foul.”
Interpretation
• A thrower who is out of bounds legally during a throw-in must re-enter the court promptly.
• If the thrower intentionally delays re-entry and then becomes the first to touch the ball, it is now
ruled a violation .
• This aligns with other rules regarding out-of-bounds players, removing the harsher penalty of a
technical foul.
Game Scenario
During a throw-in, A1 is legally out of bounds to complete the throw-in. After releasing the ball, A1
deliberately delays re-entry to allow a screen to develop and then quickly steps back onto the court to
catch a return pass, becoming the first player to touch the ball. This action is ruled a violation. The ball is
awarded to Team B at one of the four designated spots nearest to where the violation occurred. RULING:
Correct Procedure
COMMENT
• Under prior rules, this would have resulted in a technical foul against Team A.
• The updated rule ensures the action is penalized but with the appropriate severity of a violation,
promoting more consistent enforcement.
• The intent is to stop deceptive re-entry tactics while keeping the penalty proportional to the
infraction.
Points of Emphasis for Officials and Coaches
• This is no longer a technical foul; it is a violation.
• Officials should be alert for players attempting to delay or deceive during re-entry after a throwin.
• Coaches must instruct players that re-entry must be immediate and legal.
• The penalty: Opponents are awarded the ball at one of the four designated spots nearest the
violation.
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