I referee both boys and girls high school basketball in Long Island, New York. I belong to two different associations. The boy's association is an IAABO Board. The girl's association belongs to the NYS Girls Basketball Officials Association. The only problem I have is that the boys play under NFHS Rules while the girls play under NCAA Rules. There are not too many differences, however, enough to confuse you on occasion. Does anyone else have a similar situation? I believe that if you are in high school, you should play by high school rules, not collegiate. Several of my fellow girls officials, describe the problem as political.

I do not have the type of problem at the high school level that is for sure. I do work both with the NF Rules and the NCAA Rules at the Men's level. I do not have that big of an adjustment. Of course you might have to review a little bit to make sure you are applying the correct rulings when I work a college game (I do not work nearly as many college games as I do HS games), but it is not a major issue. Most of the NCAA Men's mechanics are almost identical and the rules are not that far off. But Women's Rules are another story. But I do not see many people having a major struggle with those differences. I really do not know what else to tell you. I know many that work with all the rules sets and deal with it.

Peace

In Iowa, the boys and girls are governed by different associations. Both play under NFHS rules, but the girls have made a few adaptations and the boys really haven't.
The girls use the coach's box, they start the game by tossing a coin instead of the ball, they line up free throws differently, and they flip the arrow as soon as the ball is at the disposal of the thrower.
Licensing is done separately, and rules meetings are conducted separately. The differences are minor, however, and it helps keep your head in the game.

Adam

I guess i should have clrified my biggest gripe. If NFHS Rules are written for girls and boys, why not have high school girls play by high school rules? BTW Rut, you're right the adjustment isn't that bad. Once in awhile, I'll find myself standing opposite the table on free throws in a girls game. Oopps!

Hey Snaqs, don't forget the new Memo #2. Dunking is legal during pre-game warm-up.

We do not have that problem here. In Illinois we use the same rules for both Girl's and Boy's basketball, which is the NF Rulebook. The only major differences we have are when the Girl's and Boy's seasons start and when the playoffs begin. Everything is pretty much exactly the same.

Peace

That's right. I'd forgotten about that. But, what about hanging on the rim? :D

Interesting.. never heard of any high school leagues that don't use NFHS rules. I'm in two separate associations here in Washington State (boys and girls) for the same area. Girls use a shot clock so there are just a few minor differences. I've accidentally signaled for a shot clock reset in a guys game before or accidentally started a 10-second count in B/C on a girls game before, but I notice it and correct it right away. Minor stuff.

Z

In a time long ago and far away, first the NBCofUS&C wrote the rules for boys' H.S. and men's college. Then the NBCofUS&C added girls' H.S. to the mix, but women's college in all of the USA and girls' H.S. in many areas of the Northeast USA played basketball using NAGWS rules. NAGWS rules were based upon FIBA rules and to officiate women's college anywhere in the USA and girls' H.S. in those areas that used NAGWS rules, one had to belong to a NAGWS Board of Women's Basketball Officials. There are still some of those NAGWS Boards in existence and they only officiate girls' H.S. basketball. NAGWS does not write basketball rules anymore.

NAGWS: National Association of Girls and Women in Sports.