I was present at the Texas Assn. of Sports Officials Annual Convention in Houston yesterday, in which Dick Schindler, past rules editor for the NFHS Rules, was speaking to us about the rules changes and points of emphasis, and he ALSO emphasized the following:

" . . .illegal contact with the backboard is the same ruling for the offensive player."

That is, if A1 is shooting a lay-up, and releases the ball and then slaps the backboard, it is intentional contact and is penalized with a technical foul.

It appears that the NFHS Rules Committee is strongly trying to stop this action, plus deter any defensive action of slapping the backboard that is not a part of defensive actions to play the ball and block the shot, pin the ball on the backboard, etc.

Jim,
It is sad that unsportsmanlike actions have to be clarified, but it is what it is.
mick

I mae the same point in a discussion on the McGriff board earlier this week. College players started this a couple of years ago. Like everything else, it trickles down to us.

Does anyone else know why the NF comes out with a list of Points of Emphasis each year? For the most part, it's because we as officials haven't enforced the rules properly. Yet closely guarded, palming, and intentional fouls will continue to be called the same way this year, as they have been called in the past. After the preseason rules clinics, the POE will be ignored or forgotten. To a lesser extent, the coaches are also responsible, but they only get away with what we let them.

Thanks for the scoop Jim.