Biggest rules/mechanics changes of the last 5 years

[BillyMac]

3-5-3
Art. 3: Arm sleeves, knee sleeves, lower leg sleeves and tights are permissible:
a. Anything worn on the arm and/or leg is a sleeve, except a knee brace, and shall meet the color restrictions.
b. The sleeves/tights shall be black, white, beige or the predominant color of the uniform and the same color sleeves/tights shall be worn by teammates.
c. All sleeves/tights shall be the same solid color.
d. Meet the logo requirements in 3-6.
Note: In general, a brace is defined as anything that contains hinges and/or straps or an opening over the knee cap.

4-19-3d
d. Excessive contact with an opponent while the ball is live or until an airborne shooter returns to the floor.

9-1-4g
g. A player occupying a marked lane space may not have either foot beyond the vertical plane of the outside edge of any lane boundary, or beyond the vertical plane of any edge of the space (2 inches by 36 inches) designated by a lane-space mark or beyond the vertical plane of any edge of the space (12 *inches by 36 inches) designated by a neutral zone. A player shall position one foot near the outer edge of the free-throw lane line. The other foot may be positioned anywhere within the designated 36-inch lane space until the ball has been released.

10-6-12 New
The following acts constitute a foul when committed against a ball handler/dribbler:
a. Placing two hands on the player.
b. Placing an extended arm bar on the player.
c. Placing and keeping a hand on the player.
d. Contacting the player more than once with the same hand or alternating hands.
Rationale: Rather than continuing to make hand-checking a point of emphasis year after year, simply add a brand new rule that requires a personal foul be called any time this type of contact occurs on a player holding or dribbling the ball outside of the lane area. The NFHS game needs this type of illegal contact on the perimeter ball handlers and dribblers eliminated.

2014-15 MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES

1-12a
Its solid color shall be Pantone Matching System (PMS) Orange 151, Red-Orange 173 or Brown 1535.

8-1-4b
The lane areas from the end line up to, and including, the neutral-zone the first lane-space marks shall remain vacant.

8-1-4c
The first marked lane spaces on each side of the lane, above and adjacent to the neutral-zone marks the first lane-space marks, shall be occupied by…

Players in marked lane spaces will be able to move into the lane when the ball is released by the free-throw shooter beginning with the 2014-15 high school basketball season. Previously, players could not release until the ball touched the ring or backboard or until the free throw ended.

In an effort to eliminate excessive contact on ball-handlers and dribblers outside of the lane area, the committee added Article 12 to Rule 10-6 on contact. As a result, the following acts will constitute a foul when committed against a ball-handler/dribbler: 1) placing two hands on the player, 2) placing an extended arm bar on the player, 3) placing and keeping a hand on the player and 4) contacting the player more than once with the same hand or alternating hands.

The rules committee also expanded the definition of an intentional foul in Rule 4-19-3d, which now states that an intentional foul is “excessive contact with an opponent while the ball is live or until an airborne shooter returns to the floor.”

In the final rules change, the committee expanded Rule 3-5-3 by identifying anything worn on the arm and/or leg as a sleeve, except a knee brace. These items, including tights, will now be permitted but must meet the color and logo restrictions in Rule 3-5-3. Previously, this rule permitted only arm sleeves and leg-compression sleeves.

[BillyMac]

10-6-12: The following acts constitute a foul when committed against a ball handler/dribbler. A player becomes a ball handler when he/she receives the ball. This would include a player in a post position.
a. Placing two hands on the player.
b. Placing an extended arm bar on the player.
c. Placing and keeping a hand on the player.
d. Contacting the player more than once with the same hand or alternating hands.

Officials Signal Chart and Officials Manual: Establish a signal to be used after a basket is made and there is a stoppage in play. The signal is used by the officials to indicate the team inbounding the ball may run the baseline. The signal will be executed by extending the arm laterally, bending the elbow at a 90-degree angle, moving the hand and forearm from the elbow in a waving motion horizontally along the end line. A new picture will need to be added to the signal chart.

2015-16 Major Editorial Changes

3-4-2c: By state association adoption one commemorative/memorial patch may be worn on the jersey. The patch shall not exceed 4 square inches, shall not be a number and must be located above the neckline or in the side insert.

3-5-3c: All sleeves/tights shall be the same solid color and must be the same color as any headband or wristband worn.

3-5-4a: Headbands and wristbands shall be black, white, beige or the predominant color of the jersey and the same color for each item and all participants. They must be the same color as any sleeve/tights worn. See 3-6 for logo requirements.

[BillyMac]

1-20 NEW: Non-playing personnel, e.g., spirit participants, media, shall remain outside of the playing area during a 30-second or less time-out during the game. Non-playing personnel shall stand outside the free throw lane lines extended toward the sidelines throughout the game.

2-12-5: Sound a warning signal to begin the 15 seconds (maximum) permitted for replacing a disqualified or injured player, or for a player directed to leave the game.

3-5-6: Undershirts shall be a single solid color similar to the torso of the jersey and shall be hemmed and not have frayed or ragged edges. If the undershirt has sleeves, they shall be the same length. See 3-6 for logo requirements.

DELETE 3-5-7: (Compression shorts shall be a single solid color similar to the predominant color of the uniform; the length shall be above the knee. Undergarments shall not extend below the pants/skirt. See 3-6 for logo requirements.)

9-1-3h NEW: Players occupying marked free-throw lane line spaces may not enter the free-throw semicircle until the ball touches the ring or until the free throw ends.

[BillyMac]

1-13-2: The coaching box shall be outlined outside the side of the court on which the scorer's and timer's table and team benches are located. The area shall be bounded by a line drawn 28 feet from the end line towards the Division line. At this point a line drawn from the sideline toward the team bench becomes the end of the coaching box going towards the end line.
Note: State Associations may alter the length and placement of the 28 foot (maximum) coaching box. Effective Immediately. Tape may be used to extend the 14-foot line to 28 feet.

2-9-1: When a foul occurs, an official shall signal the timer to stop the clock. The official shall verbally inform the offender, then with finger(s) of two hands, indicate to the scorer the number of the offender and the number of free throws.

3-4-1d: There are no color/design restrictions in the area of the team jersey from the imaginary line at the base of the neckline to the top of the shoulder and in the corresponding area on the back of the jersey. There are restrictions on what identifying names may be placed in this area (see Article 3-4-4).

3-4-4: Identifying name(s) shall adhere to the following:
a. If used, lettering with school name, school’s nickname, school logo, player’s name and /or abbreviation of the official school name shall be placed horizontally on the jersey.
b. The panel in the shoulder area of the jersey on the back may be used for placing an identifying name as well.

4-48 NEW: Warning for Coach/Team Conduct
A warning to a coach/team for misconduct is an administrative procedure by an official, which is recorded in the scorebook by the scorer and reported to the Head Coach:
Art. 1 . . . For conduct, such as that described in rule 10-5-1a,b,d,e,f; 10-5-2; 10-5-4 the official shall warn the head coach unless the offense is judged to be major, in which case a technical foul shall be assessed. Note: A warning is not required prior to calling a technical foul.
Art. 2 . . . For the first violation of rule 10-6-1, the official shall warn the head coach unless the offense is judged to be major, in which case a technical foul shall be assessed. Note: A warning is not required prior to calling a technical foul.

[BillyMac]

1-12-1c: It shall have a deeply-pebbled, granulated surface, with horizontally shaped panels bonded tightly to the rubber carcass.

9-9-1: A player shall not be the first to touch the ball after it has been in team control in the frontcourt, if he/she or a teammate last touched or was touched by the ball in the frontcourt before it went to the backcourt. EXCEPTION: Any player located in the backcourt may recover a ball deflected from the frontcourt by the defense.

[bob jenkins]

I think the rules changes, and certainly the annual interps, are posted on this site.

And, if ti's been 10 years, imo you are better off starting over rather than just trying to learn the changes.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I think the rules changes, and certainly the annual interps, are posted on this site.

bob jenkins is correct about the annual interpretations (a valuable tool), but I don't believe that the annual rule changes are posted in any one place.

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

... if it's been 10 years, you are better off starting over rather than just trying to learn the changes.

Always listen to bob.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I think the rules changes, and certainly the annual interps, are posted on this site.

And, if ti's been 10 years, imo you are better off starting over rather than just trying to learn the changes.

That was my thought as well. Just get back in the books and study.

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

And, if ti's been 10 years, imo you are better off starting over rather than just trying to learn the changes.

That's kind of what I'm thinking. Thanks for the advice.

[BillyMac]

Effective with the 2024-25 season, the number on the jersey can no longer be the same color as the jersey itself. Currently, the number can be the same color as the jersey if it is bordered by a contrasting color. Despite the contrasting-color border, the committee said the number is still difficult to see in many cases. The other two options in Rule 3-4-3e regarding the color of the number remain in effect. A five-year implementation date was approved to allow schools time to budget for purchasing new uniforms.

Four other changes were approved in Rule 3 – Players, Substitutes and Equipment. A new rule, 3-5-8, provides recommendations for use of a mouthguard. Though not required, the committee noted that state associations may deem a tooth and mouth protector required equipment.

A note was added to Rule 3-5-5 to permit folding or rolling the shorts at the natural waistband seam. The new language does state that the shorts have to be in compliance with Rule 3-4-5, which restricts uniform pants/skirts to one visible manufacturer’s logo/trademark/reference. This addition to Rule 3-5-5 modernizes the rule and allows players to adjust the shorts in a manner that serves no harm to the game or its integrity.

The other equipment changes deal with headbands and hair-control devices in Rule 3-5-4. The maximum width of the headband was expanded from 2 inches to 3 inches to be consistent with the rules for volleyball and accommodate athletes who play both sports. In addition, in 3-5-4d, hair-control devices are not required to meet color restrictions. A hair-control device goes around the hair only, while a headband goes around the entire head.

In another change, assistant coaches now will be able to go onto the court with the head coach in an effort to restore order when a fight breaks out among players.

The final change approved by the Basketball Rules Committee is a change in the signal when a held ball occurs. Now, when a held ball occurs, the covering official(s) shall stop the clock using Signal #2 (straight arm, open palm extended) while simultaneously sounding the whistle. This change should help to alleviate conflicting calls by officials when a held ball occurs.

NFHS Rules Changes - 2019-20

3-5-4b: A headband is any item that goes around the entire head. It must be a circular design without extensions. If worn, only one headband is permitted, it must be worn on the forehead/crown. It must be nonabrasive and unadorned, and it must be no more than 3 inches wide.

3-5-4d: Add to (d) - Hair control devices are not required to meet color restrictions.
Rationale: To address inconsistent interpretations regarding items such as pre-wrap controlling hair.

3-5-5: Add Note: NOTE: Provided the shorts are not in conflict with 3-4-5, no drawstring or other part of the shorts intended to maintain them in a normal position causes potential harm to the player or others and wearing of the shorts is not objectionable in exposing the anatomy, there is no restriction on folding or rolling the shorts at the natural waistband seam. This is an attempt to modernize the rule and allow what players seem to want and what serves as no harm to the game or its integrity. In particular, this interpretation was made because allegedly manufacturers did not intend on the shorts to be rolled when in fact many manufacturer reps will tell you that the seams are intentionally made to offer options in the way they are worn.

3-5-8 NEW: MOUTHGUARD
1. A tooth and mouth protector (intraoral), if worn shall:
a. include an occlusal (protecting and separating the biting surfaces) portion;
b. include a labial (protecting the teeth and supporting structures) portion;
c. cover the posterior teeth with adequate thickness;
2. It is recommended that the protector be properly fitted, protecting the anterior (leading) dental arch and:
a. constructed from a model made from an impression of the individual’s teeth, or
b. constructed and fitted to the individual by impressing the teeth into the tooth and mouth protector itself.
3. State associations may deem a tooth and mouth protector required equipment.

9-9-1: Exception:
A ball in team control of Team A in the front court that is deflected by a defensive player, which causes the ball to go into the backcourt, may be recovered by either team unless the offense was the last to touch the ball before it went into the backcourt. If the offense was last to touch the ball in its frontcourt, only the defense can legally recover the basketball.
Rationale: This was the original intent of the proposal from 2017-18 and 2018-19. Despite the committee's best efforts, the wording adopted, which mirrored the intent, has caused issues. This wording is identical to the exception at other levels of play and easier to teach and understand.

10-5-5 Note: The head coach and any number of assistant coaches may enter the court in the situation where a fight may break out - or has broken out - to prevent the situation from escalating.

Stop Clock for Jump/Held Ball-Part 3 of the NFHS Basketball Officials Manual-#3: When a held ball occurs, covering official(s) shall stop the clock using signal #2 (straight arm, open palm extended) while simultaneously sounding their whistle. Then both arms are extended straight out, at chest level, with fist clinched. Thumbs are displayed as a part of the signal. Signal is given with both arms moving in an upward motion. Should be followed with a directional signal (See #6) indicating team possession.

Basketball Comments On The Rules - 2019-20

Contrasting Number (3-4-3e,2): (Effective 2024-25)
The color of the number cannot be the same color as the body of the jersey, though bordered by a contrasting color, because it is difficult to see. Two other options for the style of the number remain as indicated in the rules book.

Headband Clarification (3-5-4b): Headbands may be no more than 3 inches wide. This rule change is consistent with the width of the headband allowed in volleyball. A headband is worn around the head or the crown of the head. The headband must be circular without extensions. The headband is subject to color restrictions

Hair Control Devices (3-5-4d): Hair control devices are not subject to color restrictions. A hair control device is worn around the hair.

Team Member’s Equipment (3-5-5): Added Note: This note provides states an opportunity to ease the rule on wearing the shorts as intended as long as there is not a conflict with Rule 3-4-5, the drawstring or other parts do not cause harm to the wearer or others and the shorts are worn in a manner that parts of the anatomy are not objectionably exposed. Rolling or folding the shorts at the natural waistband may be allowed.

Mouth Protector (NEW 3-5-6): This rule provides a safety option for players with specifics for coverage of the device. State association may deem a tooth and mouth protector mandatory.

Backcourt (9-9-1): The rewording of this Exception is provided to give more clarity to the exception already in the book. The Exception defines who is able to recover the ball when it goes from the front court to the backcourt based on who last touched the ball in the front court.

Bench Technical (10-5-5 Note): This addition to the rule permits assistant coaches to enter the court to assist in controlling a fight that has broken out or is about to break out. This change does not preclude the responsibility for bench control. The head coach must preplan what assistant coaches must do in such a situation. An assistant coach must be designated to remain at the bench to maintain control of bench personnel.

Signal Chart – change in execution of signal #3: The held ball signal must be executed by first stopping the clock for a violation with signal #2 prior to the use of the held ball signal

[BillyMac]

2-12-5: The intent of the rule change is to avoid gamesmanship and ensure the time for replacement remains within the rules. This rule change makes 2-12-5 consistent with 2-12-4 “second horn” requirement. The addition of a warning signal at the end of the replacement period admonishes the coach and team to prepare for resumption of the game.

5-4-1, 2: When a coach has been removed, this rule clarifies that if no other coach or school personnel are available, then the game is forfeited unless state association rules determine otherwise.

10-6-Penalty: To clarify that officials are not required to issue a warning prior to issuing a technical foul. However, they may issue a warning when the offense is judged not to be major.

TIMER’S DUTIES 2-12-5: The intent of the rule change is to avoid gamesmanship and ensure the time for replacement remains within the rules. This rule change makes 2-12-5 consistent with 2-12-4 “second horn” requirement.

FORFEITURE, PROTEST, INTERRUUPTED GAME 5-4-1, 2: When a coach has been removed, this rule clarifies that if no other coach or school personnel are available, then the game is forfeited unless state association rules determine otherwise.

HEAD COACH’S RULE 10-6-Penalty: To clarify that officials are not required to issue a warning prior to issuing a technical foul. However, they may issue a warning when the offense is judged not to be major.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

... two-handed reporting ...

Originally Posted by BillyMac

2-9-1: When a foul occurs, an official shall signal the timer to stop the clock. The official shall verbally inform the offender, then with finger(s) of two hands, indicate to the scorer the number of the offender and the number of free throws.

TWO-HAND FOUL REPORTING (Rule 2-9-1 Signals)
The Official will move to the designated reporting area on the floor.
Make sure that you have the attention of the scorer prior to giving the numbers.
Indicate the color of the jersey for the player who fouled.
The Official shall report fouls to the scorer by using two hands to display the jersey number of the person who committed the foul.
The official’s right hand will indicate the first digit of the number or the tens and the left hand will indicate the second digit of the number or the ones.
The official shall extend the arms shoulder high towards the table to display the numbers.
The digits of the number should be displayed at the same time.
When reporting, the official shall verbalize the number as twenty-four not two-four.
The scorer will view the number in a left-to-right sequence.
Indicate the type of foul using the proper signal.
If one, two or three free throws are to be attempted, indicate the number of free throws by using one hand.
If the team is in the bonus for the seventh, eight of ninth foul, indicate the bonus situation raising both hands and display a raised index finger on each hand.
If the foul is a team control foul, after the official signals the specific type of foul, the official will turn and signal such with an extended arm, closed fist parallel to the table and side line, indicating no free throws will be attempted.
After reporting and if no free throws are to be attempted, the official will turn from the table and indicate the throw-in spot to resume play.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

... coaching box expansion.

Originally Posted by BillyMac

1-13-2: The coaching box shall be outlined outside the side of the court on which the scorer's and timer's table and team benches are located. The area shall be bounded by a line drawn 28 feet from the end line towards the Division line. At this point a line drawn from the sideline toward the team bench becomes the end of the coaching box going towards the end line. Note: State Associations may alter the length and placement of the 28 foot (maximum) coaching box. Effective Immediately. Tape may be used to extend the 14-foot line to 28 feet.

Some high school gyms still have the 28 foot hash mark painted on the inbounds side of the boundary sideline.

Anybody besides Mark T. DeNucci, Sr. old enough to remember what this hash mark was originally used for?

[ilyazhito]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Some high school gyms still have the 28 foot hash mark painted on the inbounds side of the boundary sideline.

Anybody besides Mark T. DeNucci, Sr. old enough to remember what this hash mark was originally used for?

Back in the day, teams had an option to forgo free throws on a foul against them. The 28-foot mark was used as the throw-in location in that case.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Some high school gyms still have the 28 foot hash mark painted on the inbounds side of the boundary sideline. Anybody besides Mark T. DeNucci, Sr. old enough to remember what this hash mark was originally used for?

Originally Posted by ilyazhito

Back in the day, teams had an option to forgo free throws on a foul against them. The 28-foot mark was used as the throw-in location in that case.

No ilyazhito, but thanks for playing. As a parting gift you'll receive a twenty-volume set of the Encyclopedia International, a case of Turtle Wax, and a year's supply of Rice-A-Roni, the San Francisco treat.

Two uses for NFHS 28 foot hash marks back in ancient times.

1) Hash mark separated the midcourt for the forecourt. New five second closely guarded dribbling count if dribbler passed the hash mark going forward. So a possibility of sixteen seconds of being closely guarded with no violation. Holding in midcourt. Dribbling in midcourt. Continue dribbling past hash mark. Continue dribbling in forecourt. Holding in forecourt.

2) Lack of action technical foul. Team behind, while on offense, had to "force the action" by dribbling past the hash mark after being warned by the officials. Team behind, while on defense, had to "force the action" by closely guarding opponents in the midcourt after being warned by the officials.