Intentionally Slapping The Backboard ...
 

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.s...=Api&P=0&h=180

2025-26 NFHS Basketball Rule Change
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.

On a recent “Slapping the Backboard” IAABO “You Make the Call” video, the IAABO commentary included this:

However, this does not eliminate the possibility of a technical foul being charged to an offending player if contacting the backboard was considered an unsporting act. In situations where the player is "showboating" or "venting frustration," a technical foul could be charged in those instances.

I assumed that intentionally slapping the backboard was no longer a technical foul but could be basket interference if it causes the backboard or basket to vibrate, while the ball is on or within the basket, touching the backboard, or within the cylinder.

2025-26 NFHS Basketball Rule Change
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 he ball is on or within the basket, touching the backboard, or within the cylinder.

I also assumed that a technical foul for illegally contacting the backboard was left in the rule book to prevent actions such as Ralph Sampson’s controversial basket against Brigham Young in the 1981 NCAA tournament when the seven foot, four inch Virginia Cavalier All-American center dunked the ball with his free hand braced against the backboard, and was not left in the rule book for intentionally slapping the backboard.

Is IAABO correct, in view of the recent rule change, to interpret intentionally slapping the backboard as a technical foul?

In view of the recent rule change, can we both award the basket (basket interference) and charge a technical foul (intentionally slapping the backboard)?

If You're Happy And You Know It ...
 

These many new "above the rim" rules (goaltending, basket interference, backboard) make me happy that I'm primarily a middle school official, and that half of my games are girls games.

Still doesn't happen that often in varsity. At least not in my area.

It happens here, but when it happens, they think it is a violation. I hope officials do not automatically start calling this a violation, just because.

Peace

Not Rhetorical Questions ...
 

These were not rhetorical questions.

Enquiring minds want to know.

Or are all of our many Forum rule experts waiting for clarifications of some poorly explained NFHS press releases?

Well the new rule book is published on NFHS Digital but no case book yet

And it appears that it does not matter in that reference. So basically they adopted the NCAA Men's rule.

Here is the reference in Rule 4-22.

Peace

Player Striking The Backboard ...
 

JRutledge's reference appears to be in regard to goaltending a ball (try) that deflects off of the backboard.

The purpose of my thread was to discuss IAABO's interpretation regarding a player (not a ball) striking the backboard, intentionally, or not, basket interference, and some variation of the old technical foul rule (intentionally strike backboard).

I do not believe that any of the three forms of goaltending (traditional, free throw, and new backboard contact) is any part of the equation in this thread.

Lots of new above the basket rules this year.

Makes me glad that I mainly work middle school games, half of which are girls games.