NFHS Unannounced Rule Change
 

I know that several Forum members have mentioned this NFHS unannounced rule change previously, but I thought I'd bring it up again because there is now some language in the rule book, also unannounced, that was only found in the casebook, also unannounced, previously.

2004-05 Rule 7, Section 1, Article 1: A player is out of bounds when he/she touches the floor, or any other object other than a player, on or outside a boundary.

2004-05 Casebook * 7.1.1: A1, while holding the ball inbounds near the sideline, touches (a) player B1; (b) a photographer; (c) a coach; (d) an official, all of whom are out of bounds. Ruling: A1 is not out of bounds in (a), (b), (c), or (d). To be out of bounds, A1 must touch the floor or some object on or outside a boundary line. People are not considered to be objects and play continues. Inadvertently touching someone who is out of bounds, without gaining an advantage, is not a violation.

The star (*) before the citation indicates the play has been revised or is new. There is no mention of this change in the Basketball Rule Changes or Editorial Changes section of the Rule Book. It appears to be one of those famous "unannounced" NFHS changes.

2007-08 Rule 7, Section 1, Article 1: A player is out of bounds when he/she touches the floor, or any other object other than a player/person, on or outside a boundary.

This is the first time the word "person" appears in Rule 7, Section 1, Article 1. There is no mention of this change in the Basketball Rule Changes or Editorial Changes section of the Rule Book. Again, it appears to be one of those famous "unannounced" NFHS changes.

Can't something be done about these NFHS "unannounced" changes to the rules or casebook interpretations?

Good work, sir. Yes, it is an unannounced wording change to make the rule match the casebook. MS is responsible for the editorial changes. You should contact her with your concerns.