NFHS Update

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I believe that additional language would be needed to make the NFHS make the full switch to the NCAA deflection backcourt rule (not to fix the stupid interpretation, which the new language hopefully now takes makes null and void).

The stupid interpretation may be correct by the ultra strictest most literal interpretation of the rule language (simultaneous last to touch, first to touch), at least according to the stupid interpretation (publicized twice for good measure.) Getting rid of the stupid interpretation would certainly be one way to deal with it. I prefer that it completely match the written rule, now with the exception built in, to bury this issue for good, for all time. This was a case where the old literal written rule didn't really match the intent and purpose of the rule, although I'm sure that most of us would, in a real game, have ruled by intent and purpose rather than the old literal written rule with its stupid interpretation.

Again, why would you need a big language change? Everyone was not an engineer (or something similar) by trade. Most people did not even realize there was this interpretation for years. People would find it on a whim because they either were told this existed or they read it on their own. And I know many officials that found this out and basically said it would not happen or they would not enforce it that way.

As I said before, you are worrying about this too much IMHO. If they just magically let go of the interpretation and it just was not in the casebook, I think people would be just fine. Keep in mind not many people (even here) are debating how complicated this new rule is. I have seen this rule posted and talked about on more than one social media outlet and I have not seen the point of view once that you have stated as a concern. That should tell you something.

I also do not think that they can make this change without supporting interpretations to give examples of exactly the intent of this rule and not the intended applications. I am sure there will be a play or two in the S&I Rulebook and the Guidebook will give several plays that address this change as well. And I am willing to wait for the process to be complete. Until then when camp is going on this summer, we will just tell them to consider the deflection to be "all bets are off" or use the NCAA rule.

Peace