2025-26 NFHS Rules Changes

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rich

Additionally, the act of intentionally slapping or striking the backboard during a shot attempt will now result in basket interference and not a technical foul. This addition of new Rule 4-6-2 and corresponding removal of Rule 10-4-4b from the “Player Technical” section aims to standardize officiating and remove intent from the decision.

Originally Posted by BillyMac

10-4-4b: This rule prohibits players from illegally contacting the backboard or ring in ways that create an unfair advantage or interfere with a scoring attempt. This rule is designed to maintain fair play and protect the integrity of scoring opportunities by penalizing actions affecting the outcome of a shot, with a technical foul.

Rationale: The rule change aims to standardize and clarify the enforcement of basket interference, leading to fairer outcomes and more consistent officiating. The removal of subjective judgments around intent allows for clearer rulings and better alignment with current game dynamics.

4-6-1a & b (NEW): This rule change clarifies and expands the definition of basket interference to include additional actions that unfairly affect the ball while it is in a scoring position. Basket interference now occurs when a player slaps or strikes the backboard, causing the backboard or basket to vibrate, while the ball is on or within the basket, touching the backboard, or within the cylinder.

Rationale: This clarification helps officials consistently identify interference that affects scoring plays and ensures the integrity of the basket area during shot attempts.

I'm confused.

In the past if a defensive player intentionally slapped the backboard and the ball didn't go in all we could do was to charge a technical foul (and not award the goal).

How do we handle this now?

Award the goal, or award the goal and charge a technical foul?

[ilyazhito]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I'm confused.

In the past if a defensive player intentionally slapped the backboard and the ball didn't go in all we could do was to charge a technical foul (and not award the goal).

How do we handle this now?

Award the goal, or award the goal and charge a technical foul?

Award the goal. Slapping the backboard is now BI in all codes.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by ilyazhito

Award the goal. Slapping the backboard is now BI in all codes.

That's what I first believed when I first read the changes.

However:

10-4-4b: This rule prohibits players from illegally contacting the backboard or ring in ways that create an unfair advantage or interfere with a scoring attempt. This rule is designed to maintain fair play and protect the integrity of scoring opportunities by penalizing actions affecting the outcome of a shot, with a technical foul.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

That's what I first believed when I first read the changes.

However:

10-4-4b: This rule prohibits players from illegally contacting the backboard or ring in ways that create an unfair advantage or interfere with a scoring attempt. This rule is designed to maintain fair play and protect the integrity of scoring opportunities by penalizing actions affecting the outcome of a shot, with a technical foul.

It has to influence the shot at the other levels as well, at least at he NCAA Men's level. It is not just simply hitting the backboard and then you call a violation.

Peace

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

It has to influence the shot at the other levels as well ... It is not just simply hitting the backboard and then you call a violation.

Thanks JRutledge.

Let me see if I've got this figured out?

In high school ...

Slapping the backboard, with, or without intent, is no longer a technical foul, never.

However, if the backboard is slapped, with, or without intent, and it affects the shot such that it doesn't go in the basket, we can award the goal for basket interference.

However, if the backboard is slapped, with, or without intent, and it does not affect the shot that doesn't go in the basket, we cannot award the goal.

Old rules regarding putting hand on the backboard or ring to gain an advantage (the Ralph Sampson Rule) are still in place and we can charge a technical foul.

"I think I've got it."

Do I?

Ralph Sampson’s (Virginia 1979-1983, NBA 1983-1995) controversial basket against Brigham Young in the 1981 NCAA tournament prompted an NCAA rule change. The seven foot, four inch Virginia Cavalier All-American center dunked the ball with his free hand braced against the backboard. The basket led to a five point swing for Virginia which capitalized on a technical foul against Brigham Young's Danny Ainge who thought Sampson's play was illegal. Actually Sampson did nothing wrong since, at the time, there was no rule making this an illegal play. Since 1983 NFHS rules now state that it’s illegal for player to place a hand on the backboard, or the ring, to gain an advantage.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

In high school ...

Slapping the backboard, with, or without intent, is no longer a technical foul, never.

However, if the backboard is slapped, with, or without intent, and it affects the shot such that it doesn't go in the basket, we can award the goal for basket interference.

However, if the backboard is slapped, with, or without intent, and it does not affect the shot that doesn't go in the basket, we cannot award the goal.

Old rules regarding putting hand on the backboard or ring to gain an advantage (the Ralph Sampson Rule) are still in place and we can charge a technical foul.

Can anyone confirm my personal interpretation of the new rules regarding basket interference and slapping the backboard while still leaving the Ralph Sampson Rule in place?