[BillyMac]

2010-11 NFHS BASKETBALL RULES CHANGES

Changed the guidelines and procedures for identifying and removing a player who exhibits signs, symptoms and/or behaviors consistent with a concussion

The list of permissible headband and wristband colors was changed to include any single solid school color.

Specific rules were added to address the unsporting acts of a player leaving the playing court for an unauthorized reason to demonstrate resentment, disgust or intimidation and team members leaving the bench area and/or playing court for an unauthorized reason.

Clarified that when a substitute is not properly reported, the players in the game at the conclusion of the quarter/when the time-out was granted shall begin play for the new quarter/after the time-out. During an intermission, all team members are bench personnel for the purpose of penalizing unsporting behavior

Clarified that a school or conference logo/mascot may be located at the apex/opening of the neckline, in the corresponding area on the back of the jersey and/or in the either side insert.

Clarified that a school or conference logo/mascot may be located at the apex/opening of the neckline, in the corresponding area on the back of the jersey and/or in the either side insert.

Clarified the requirements for guards, casts and braces and that a protective face mask shall be worn molded to the face.

Clarified that the ball is at the disposal of a player when it is available after a goal and the official begins the throw-in count.

Clarified that when the ball is awarded to the wrong team, the mistake must be rectified before the throw-in ends.

2010-11 POINTS OF EMPHASIS
1. Rules Enforcement
2. Sportsmanship
3. Perimeter Play
4. Closely-guarded Situations
5. Principle of Verticality

NFHS BASKETBALL COMMENTS ON THE 2010-11 RULES REVISIONS

CONCUSSION PROCEDURE REVISED (2-8-5; 3-3-8): Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion must be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. The previous rule directed officials to remove an athlete from play if “unconscious or apparently unconscious.” The previous rule also allowed for return to play based on written authorization by a medical doctor. The new rule requires that any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion, such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems, shall be immediately removed from play and shall not return until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. Officials, coaches and administrators should be looking for signs of concussion in all athletes and should immediately remove any suspected concussed athlete from play and make every effort to ensure a concussed athlete does not continue to participate.

LIST OF LEGAL HEAD/WRISTBAND COLORS EXPANDED (3-5-3a): In 2008-09 the rules stated headbands and wristbands must be a single solid color of white, black, beige or a color similar to the torso of the jersey. The rule has been revised to state that headbands and wristbands shall be white, black, beige or a single solid school color, provided all team members are wearing the same color for each item for all participants. This rule change will now allow team members to wear headbands and wristbands of school colors.

PLAYERS AND TEAM MEMBERS REQUIRED TO REMAIN ON THE COURT/IN THE BENCH AREA WHILE THE GAME IS IN PROGRESS (10-3-6i; 10-5-5): A player leaving the court for an unauthorized reason to demonstrate resentment, disgust or intimidation will be added to the list of unsporting behaviors by a player with a technical foul penalty assessed. The committee hopes this rules change will further reduce the likelihood of individual players demonstrating unsporting behavior. In addition, a similar rule will be added requiring team members to remain on the court and in the bench area while the game is in progress until each quarter or extra period has officially ended. This includes free-throw attempts by an opponent with no time remaining on the clock. Since the Head Coach is ultimately responsible for the conduct of all team members, the penalty will be a technical foul assessed directly to the Head Coach.