2025-26 NFHS Rules Changes

[BillyMac]

I'm trying to understand the new rules using common sense language.

How does this sound?

Goaltending violations only for defensive team. No more goaltending violations for the offensive team, for both passes and shots.

Once ball contacts the backboard, it is automatically considered to be on its downward flight. Therefore, if a player touches the ball after it hits the backboard, and the ball has a possibility of entering the basket, it is ruled as goaltending.

Slapping the backboard, with, or without intent, is no longer a technical foul. However, if the backboard is slapped, with, or without intent, and it affects the shot such that it doesn't go in the basket, award the goal for basket interference. Likewise, if the backboard is slapped, with, or without intent, and it does not affect the shot that doesn't go in the basket, do not award the goal.

Technical foul for players who illegally put hand on the backboard or ring to gain an advantage.

Violation for inbounder to purposely or deceitfully delay returning inbounds.

A player is one of the five team members legally on the court at any given time, except during timeouts or intermissions.

Officials will use the three point line to determining the designated throwin spot following a stoppage of play in both the frontcourt and the backcourt.

Middle school coaches in the games I work usually don't attend new rules clinics.

I'm trying to come up with my "elevator speech" for next season.