[bob jenkins]

Basketball Rules Interpretations - 2014-2015
By NFHS on October 16, 2014 basketball

Publisher’s Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.

Robert B. Gardner, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2014

Rule Book Corrections: Page 2, 2014-15 NFHS Basketball Rules Changes, 9-1-4g should read 9-1-3g.

Page 55, Rule 9-1-4, Delete.

Case Book Corrections:

Pages 25-26, 3.5.4 SITUATION, RULING Correction: illegal equipment in (a); the blue headbands and wristbands do not match the predominant color of the uniform (white).

Page 29, 4.14.1D SITUATION, RULING Correction: Officials notify the Team A coach of the disqualification and allow a substitute for A1. The points made by A1 will stand. B3 is allowed to shoot the free throws for the technical foul and Team B is given the ball at half court to continue the game. (4-14-2; 2-11-5 Note)

Page 70, 9.1 COMMENT: Sentence 2 should read: Once a free throw begins no player may enter or leave a marked lane space or break with either foot the vertical plane of a free throw lane line or lane space boundary prior to the release of the ball by the free thrower. Delete last sentence.

CLARIFICATION ON POST PLAYER: A post player becomes a ball handler/dribbler when the post player receives the ball, regardless of position on the floor or the direction he/she is facing. When the offensive player gains possession of the ball, the actions listed in Rule 10-6-12 committed by any defensive player shall be charged as a foul.

SITUATION 1: During a free throw by A1, B1 is positioned just behind the three-point line at the top of the semicircle. Is B1’s position legal and what restrictions are in effect on B1?
RULING: The position of B1 is legal. B1 may move freely but may not break the vertical plane of the three-point line and the free-throw line extended with either foot until after the ball touches the ring or the backboard or until the free throw has ended. (9-1-3 Penalties)

SITUATION 2: While the ball is live, players A1 and B1 commit fouls against each other at approximately the same time. A1 then punches B1. B6 and B7 leave the confines of the bench but do not participate in the fight.
RULING: The common fouls by A1 and B1 constitute a double personal foul, so no free throws are awarded. A1’s punch constitutes fighting and results in a flagrant technical foul, disqualification and the awarding of two free throws. B6 and B7 are assessed technical fouls and disqualified for entering the court illegally during a fight. Although B6 and B7 are both assessed technical fouls, only one is penalized with two free throws. The coach is penalized one indirect technical foul for B6 and B7 leaving the bench. [4-19-8; 10-3-7; 10-6 Penalties (Rule 10 Summary) 8.a, b]
Administration of Penalties: The double personal fouls offset and no free throws are awarded. With the marked lane spaces clear, any member of Team B (other than B6 and B7) attempts two free throws for the flagrant technical foul (fighting) by A1. These attempts are followed by any member of Team A (other than A1) attempting two free throws – with the marked lane spaces clear – for the technical foul charged to B6 and B7 for leaving the bench during a fight, but not participating. Following the free-throw attempts by Team A, play is resumed with a throw-in by Team A at the division line opposite the scorer’s table.

SITUATION 3: Post Player A1 received the pass in the lane. B1 places an extended arm bar on the back of the ball handler.
RULING: Illegal. A personal foul should be called anytime this type of contact occurs. (10-6-12)

SITUATION 4: Post Player A1 is facing the basket with the ball when B1 places a hand on his hips to keep him from moving in a particular direction.
RULING: Illegal. A personal foul should be called anytime this type of contact is made. (10-6-12)

SITUATION 5: Team A is passing the ball among A1, A2 and A3 in an effort to confuse the opponent and get an easy basket. B1 excessively fouls and knocks A5 down to the floor away from the ball.
RULING: An intentional foul should be called because of the excessive contact while the ball is live. (4-19-3d)

SITUATION 6: Substitute A6 attempts to enter the game wearing a headband and wristband that are not white, black, beige or a dominant color of the uniform. Team A is the home team and is wearing the customary white jersey.
RULING: Substitute A6 is not permitted to enter the game before either removing the illegal items or wearing the appropriate headband and wristband color. NOTE: Before the season begins, the coach should indicate to the team members the color of headbands, wristbands sleeves and tights that should be worn by the team. Making such a decision and sharing it with the team will assist the players with being compliant with Rules 3-5-3 and 3-5-4.