NFHS Basketball Rules Interpretations 2025-26 ...

[BillyMac]

NFHS Basketball Rules Interpretations 2025-26

SITUATION 1 (Basket Interference): A1 attempts a layup. As the ball approaches the ring, B1 intentionally slaps the backboard in an unsporting manner, which also causes the basket to vibrate when the ball is on or within the basket. Both technical foul and basket interference were ruled. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: The unsporting slap of the backboard by B1 is a technical foul. The slap causing the basket to vibrate while the ball is on or within the basket is basket interference. Team A is awarded two points for the basket interference. Following the score, Team A is also awarded two free throws for the technical foul and the ball at the division line opposite the scorer’s table. These two acts are independent violations/ fouls and are both penalized. Basket interference provisions address the legality of touching the ball or basket while the ball is on or in the basket, touching the backboard or within the cylinder, while technical foul provisions address unsporting actions. Officials should penalize each infraction separately, applying both the basket interference and the technical foul. (4-6, 10-4-4, 10-4-5)

SITUATION 2 (Throw-In Provisions): Team A is in control of the ball in its frontcourt. A1 is dribbling near the division line. While still holding the ball in the frontcourt, A1 steps with one foot onto (but not completely over) the division line. A backcourt violation has occurred. The division line is part of the backcourt, and when any part of a player’s body touches it while they have team control in the frontcourt, the ball is considered to have been in the backcourt. Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in at one of the two designated spots at the 28-foot mark along the sideline in the offended team’s frontcourt nearest to where the violation occurred. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: A player shall not cause the ball to be illegally returned from the frontcourt to the backcourt. Stepping on the line while in frontcourt control constitutes a violation even if the player does not completely cross into the backcourt. The throw-in procedure requires the awarding of the ball, for all backcourt violations, to the opponent at one of the four designated spots closest to the violation. In this case, it will be one of the spots along the sideline, 28 feet from the end line. (4-13-2, 7-5-2, 9-9-1)

SITUATION 3 (Offensive Faking Being Fouled): During a try, A1 (Team A) fakes being fouled, first infraction, in the act of shooting. The official immediately gives the “faking being fouled” signal (Signal 15) but withholds the whistle. The try is unsuccessful. If Team B secures the rebound, the whistle is then blown to stop the clock. A warning for faking being fouled is issued to Team A. Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in at one of the four designated spots nearest to where play was stopped. If Team A secures the rebound and immediately shoots or attacks the basket, the whistle continues to be withheld. If Team A secures the rebound but is no longer attacking the basket to score, the whistle is blown to stop the clock. A warning for faking being fouled is issued to Team A. Team A will resume play by throw-in at one of the four designated spots nearest to where the ball was located when the whistle was sounded. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: This procedure ensures officials properly penalize faking while also respecting live-ball rebounding situations. In each situation, play was stopped when a team was in control of the ball. On the first offense, the warning procedure applies. All subsequent infractions by Team A result in a team technical foul. Team B is awarded two free throws and the ball at the division line opposite the scorer’s table. (4- 47-1, 7-5-2, 10-4-7 PENALTY)

SITUATION 4 (Defensive Faking Being Fouled): While A1 drives to the basket and attempts a try, B1 falls to the floor in an attempt to draw a player-control foul, but the contact is incidental. B1 has faked being fouled, first infraction. The official should immediately give the “faking being fouled” signal (Signal 15) but withhold the whistle. If the try is unsuccessful and Team B secures the rebound, the whistle is sounded to stop the clock. A warning is issued to Team B for faking being fouled. Team B retains the ball for a throw-in at the designated spot nearest to where the play was stopped. If the try is unsuccessful and Team A secures the rebound and immediately shoots or attacks the basket, the whistle continues to be withheld. If the try is unsuccessful and Team A secures the rebound and is no longer attacking the basket, the whistle is sounded to stop the clock. A warning is issued to Team B. Team A retains the ball for a throw-in at the designated spot nearest to where the ball was located when the whistle was sounded. If the try is successful, the whistle is sounded immediately after the goal, the goal counts, and Team B retains the right to move along the end line for its ensuing throw-in. A warning is issued to Team B. For the first infraction, only a warning is issued and reported to the scorer’s table and the head coach. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: Officials should distinguish between a legitimate attempt to draw a charge and a “flop.” When judged as faking being fouled, the official follows the same warning/technical foul progression as with an offensive player. All subsequent infractions by Team B result in a team technical foul. Team A is awarded two free throws and possession of the ball at the division line opposite the scorer’s table. This approach provides consistency in handling faking being fouled, whether committed by the offense or defense, while preserving the integrity of live-ball situations. (4-47-1, 7-5-2, 6-7-5, 7-5-7, 10-4-7 PENALTY)

SITUATION 5 (Inadvertent Whistle): During a designated-spot throw-in by Team A in its frontcourt, the covering official inadvertently blows the whistle before the throw-in is: (a) completed (legally touched by another player inbounds) (b) controlled by a player on the court after it was deflected by B1. In (a), the ball is returned to Team A for a throw-in at the original designated spot using the point of interruption (POI) procedure. If, instead of an inadvertent whistle, the stoppage had resulted from another POI situation — such as a double foul or simultaneous foul during the throw-in — the same ruling would apply. Team A would retain the ball for a throw-in from the original throw-in spot. In (b), Team A maintains control of the ball and will be awarded a throw-in at one of the four designated spots nearest where the ball was located when the inadvertent whistle occurred. If, instead of an inadvertent whistle, the stoppage had resulted from another POI situation — such as a double foul or simultaneous foul— the same ruling would apply. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: In any situation where play is interrupted without clear team control — whether by inadvertent whistle, double foul or simultaneous foul — officials return the ball to the team that was in control at the point of interruption. On a throwin, team control begins at disposal and continues until there is player control by either team on the court. Therefore, Team A maintains its throw-in privilege in each of these scenarios. (4-36-1; 4-36- 2a, b; 7-5-2)