Player removed jersey before leaving floor

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

The technical foul is for an unsporting act. The NFHS defines removing the jersey to be an unsporting act. The NFHS lists it as being one of many examples of unsporting acts. So there's not much wiggle room, it is what it is.

By rule, I'm wrong, but I disagree that every instance of a player removing one's jersey is automatically an unsporting act. Being around basketball for over fifty years as a player, coach, and official, I know unsporting when I see it and some instances of players removing jerseys are not unsporting. A player temporarily removing a jersey to comply with a rule is not unsporting. It is unsporting by NFHS definition, but in the larger scheme of things regarding good sportsmanship, it isn't really unsporting. I believe that the NFHS has thrown out the baby with the bathwater.

10-4-6-H: A player must not: Commit an unsporting foul. This includes, but is not limited to, acts or conduct such as: Removing the jersey and/or pants/skirt within the visual confines of the playing area.

10-5-1-H: Bench personnel, including the head coach, must not: Commit an unsporting foul. This includes, but is not limited to, acts or conduct such as: Removing the jersey and/or pants/skirt within the visual confines of the playing area.

Excellent point Billy.

MTD, Sr.