2025-26 NFHS Rules Changes

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

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?

Originally Posted by Raymond

Best I can say is that in NCAA Men's basketball, slapping the backboard is basket interference if it vibrates the ring while the ball is on it.

I'd have to look back, but I would think Jeff probably provided the Men's interpretation.

The college interpretation was simple. If the ball was influenced by the vibrating of the backboard or rim because of a slap, then you could call BI on these plays. Simply hitting the backboard was not enough because sometimes the ball never made it on the basket or rim, even if there was a slap. Still some judgment, but that was how it was interpreted. Now, what the NF will ultimately say or use is still up for some debate. I believe they are adopting the current college interpretation, but they tend to retain some aspects specific to the NF. Just look at the rollout with the flopping and how many iterations of that application that was mulled over and still are being mulled over.

Peace