[Jimgolf]

In what may seem like a "shoot yourself in the foot" move to some, and an "It's about time" move to others, in an effort to reduce rough play, the MSHSL has decided to ask officials and coaches to play by the rules.

This season in Minnesota, high school officials are being asked to do more. As odd as it sounds, they have been instructed to call the game according to National Federation of State High School Association rules. Specifically, the rules about contact.

The Minnesota State High School League has put a special emphasis on Rule 10.6 for basketball, which states: "A player shall not hold, push, charge, trip or impede the progress of an opponent by extending arms(s), shoulders(s), hip(s), or knee(s), or by bending his/her body into other than a normal position; nor use rough tactics."

Sounds simple, doesn't it? But ask 10 officials or 10 coaches to interpret Rule 10.6, and you might get 10.6 different answers.

And

... guidelines are explained in detail on an audio slide show posted on the MSHSL website (www.mshsl.org). Merkle, who provides the narration, stresses what must be called: "Coaches, you must understand these guidelines and teach them to your players. Officials, you must call the game using these guidelines. This is not optional nor is it up to individual interpretation."

http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps/12567936.html