NFHS Past Interpretations Archive (2024-25 Added)

[Adam]

Basketball Rules Interpretations - 2016-17
By NFHS on October 10, 2016

Publisher’s Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.

Robert B. Gardner, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2016

Rules Book Corrections: Page 59, Rule 9-12, Penalties (Section 11 – 12) 10-3-9 should be 10-4-9; Page 68, State Association Adoptions #2 NOTE 10-5-1a should be 10-6-1a; Page 71, Technical Foul Penalty Chart, Head Coach 20 seconds should read 15 seconds.

Case Book Corrections: Page 19, 3.3.5 Situation B change 20 seconds to 15 seconds; Page 20, 3.3.6 Situation C change 0 seconds to 15 seconds; Page 41, 5.4.19 change 20 seconds to 15 seconds; Page 76, 9.12 Situation B Ruling Correction; A2 has committed a goaltending violation. No points can be scored. Since this goaltending violation occurred during a free throw, the penalty is a technical foul. Team B will
be awarded two free throws and a throw-in from the division line opposite the scorer and timer table. (4-22; 10-4-9 PENALTY)

Arm Bar: An arm bent across one’s chest is an arm bar. When a defender has the bent arm across his/her chest and on the offensive player with no exertion, there is no foul. When a defender uses this bent arm and extends it out away from the chest to push an offensive player away or to control his/her movement, it is illegal and a foul should be ruled.

SITUATION 1: A6 has reported to enter the game. A6 is wearing an undershirt that contains a visible logo “Nike Pro Combat” with dimensions that do not meet those of 2¼ square inches and not exceed 2¼ inches in any dimension. RULING: The official should instruct the coach and the player that he/she will not be able to wear the undershirt because the “Nike Pro Combat” logo exceeds the allowable size dimensions. The player will need to leave the bench and go to the locker room to remove the undershirt. (3-5-6)

SITUATION 2: B2 is in a marked lane space after free thrower A1 releases a final free-throw attempt. B2 enters the free-throw semicircle before the ball strikes the ring, contacting A1, whose free-throw attempt is unsuccessful. The official rules a foul on B4 and awards A1 bonus free throws as B4’s foul is the eighth team foul. RULING: The official was correct to rule a foul on B4 — illegal contact occurred. However, the official was incorrect to only award bonus free throws. B4 committed a delayed free-throw violation and A1 should have been given a substitute free throw with the lane cleared prior to the administration of
the bonus free throws. Play resumes with the result of A1’s bonus free throws. NFHS/Referee Basketball Preseason Guide 2016. (9-1 PENALTIES 2b)

SITUATION 3: The spirit group/cheerleaders move onto the playing court during a time-out. RULING: The referee shall remove the spirit group/cheerleaders from the court and inform the group’s captain of the reason for removal. (1-20)

SITUATION 4: A spirit group member(s) or a photographer has set-up within the free-throw lane lines extended area. RULING: The lead official shall request the group member(s) or photographer to move from
the restricted area. (1-20)

SITUATION 5: The media person or spirit group member(s) is located toward the sideline completely outside of the free-throw lane line extended area. RULING: The location of the spirit group member(s) and/or
media person is legal. (1-20)

NOTE for SITUATIONS 3, 4, 5: Should the spirit group, photographer, etc., not be cooperative, the referee shall request the athletic administrator or game site manager to address the situation.

SITUATION 6: Team’s school colors are blue and gold and the predominant color of the team’s jerseys is white. Prior to the game, an official observes that several team members are wearing beige pre-wrap around the entire head and blue wristbands. RULING: The headband and wristbands do not meet the color requirements. The official should notify the coach that the headbands and wristbands must be removed because they do not meet the color requirements. NOTE: Pre-wrap when worn around the head is considered to be a headband and must meet the color requirements. Pre-wrap when worn around the hair, such as a ponytail, is a hair-control device. (3-5-4)

SITUATION 7: A1 has been disqualified from the game for committing his/her fifth foul or a flagrant foul. The coach of Team A is notified and then the official instructs the timer to begin the replacement period. The player is then notified of the disqualification. The coach of Team A rises from the bench and (a) talks until the sounding of the warning horn with the remaining four players who have gathered near the boundary; (b) immediately sends A6 to the table to report in. The coach then gathers the players at the sideline for a conference; or (c) sends A6 towards the table but the time indicates the 15 seconds have expired before A6 gets there. RULING: Legal in (a), as long as a substitute reports before the 15 seconds lapsed. In (b), play will resume as soon as A6 has reported to the scorer. In (c), a technical foul is charged directly to the head coach. It is not an administrative technical. (2-12-5; 10-6-2)

SITUATION 8: A1 is fouled prior to the bonus, but erroneously A1 is awarded the one-and-one penalty. The error is discovered: (a) after A1’s first free throw is successful; (b) after both free throws are successful; (c) after B1 has the ball for a throw-in following the second successful free throw; (d) after B2 has control of the throw-in pass from B1 following the second successful free throw; (e) after B1 has
secured the rebound following A1’s unsuccessful second free throw. RULING: In (a) and (b), the successful free throw(s) is canceled. Team A is awarded a throw-in at the spot out-ofbounds nearest to where B1 originally fouled. In (c), the successful free throws are canceled. Since the throw-in that was underway is the result of the successful free throws, it is also canceled. The point of interruption is the foul by B1. Team A is awarded a throw-in at the spot out-of-bounds nearest to where B1 originally fouled. In (d) and (e), the successful free throws are canceled. Play resumes with a throw-in awarded to Team B since Team B had the ball inbounds when the game was interrupted for the correction. (2-10; 4-36)

SITUATION 9: Player A1 has the ball at his/her disposal for a single free throw when A2 steps into the lane and then pushes B1. RULING: The ball became dead when A2 violated the lane and the official rules a violation on A2 and disallows the free throw attempt by A1. The push by A2 may be considered incidental and the ball awarded to Team B for a throw-in at the nearest spot. (9-1 PENALTIES 1)

SITUATION 10: A technical foul is issued at the start of the game on Team A and the game begins with free throws. Team B brings in substitute B6 to shoot the free throw. RULING: Legal substitute. The ball becomes live to start the game when placed at the disposal of B6. B6 and B5 are subject to proper substitution rules. B5 may not re-enter until the next opportunity to substitute after the clock has been
properly started. (3-2-2a, 3-3-4)

SITUATION 11: Team A is awarded an alternating-possession throw-in. After A1 releases the ball, B1 commits a kicking violation. RULING: A1’s throw-in has ended because of B1’s kicking violation. A new throw-in is awarded to Team A at the spot out-of-bounds nearest to where the kicking violation occurred. NOTE: Because the defensive team committed a violation during the alternating-possession throwin, the alternating-possession arrow is not switched.

[Rich]

SITUATION 1: School A has placed its 28-foot coaching box parallel to the basketball floor so that it is 10 feet from the division line. RULING: This is an incorrect placement of the coaching box. The 28-foot coaching box should be measured from the end line of the basketball court toward the division line. The end of the coaching box near the scoring table must allow for a minimum of 14 feet of clear space toward the division line. NOTE: Regardless of the length of the coaching box mandated by the state, a minimum 14-foot area beginning at the division line and moving toward the end line should not include any portion of the coaching box regardless of the size and the alternate placement. (1-13-2)

SITUATION 2: The state association has allowed Team A to adjust the placement of its coaching box because of the design of the bleachers and the stairs leading into the bleachers. To gain the full 28 feet for the coaching box, the box has been extended beyond the end line of the playing court. RULING: Illegal placement of the coaching box. The placement of the box can be altered but it cannot extend beyond the end line of the court nor can it encroach into the 14-foot area near the division line. (1-13-2)

SITUATION 3: Team A is making a throw-in near the division line in the team’s frontcourt. A1’s throw-in is deflected by B1 who is applying direct pressure on A1. A2 jumps from the team’s frontcourt, catches the ball
in the air and lands in the backcourt. RULING: Backcourt violation on Team A. The throw-in ends when it is legally touched by B1. When A2 gains possession/control in the air, he/she has frontcourt status. A backcourt violation has occurred when A2 lands in the backcourt. (9-9-1, 9-9-3)

SITUATION 4: Team A is making a throw-in near the division line in the team’s backcourt (Team B’s frontcourt). A1’s throw-in is deflected by B1 who is applying direct pressure on A1. B2 jumps from his/her frontcourt, catches the ball in the air and lands in the backcourt. RULING: Backcourt violation on Team B. The throw-in ends with B1’s deflection (legal touch). When B2 gains possession/control in the air, he/she has frontcourt status. A backcourt violation has occurred when B2 lands in backcourt. (9-9-1, 9-9-3)

SITUATION 5: Team A is making a throw-in near the division line in the team’s backcourt (Team B’s frontcourt). A1’s throw-in is intercepted by B1. B1 jumps from his/her frontcourt, catches the ball in the air and lands with the first foot in the frontcourt and second foot in the backcourt. RULING: No violation, legal play. It doesn’t matter if one foot lands before the other provided it is a “normal landing.” Since there was no deflection, the throw-in had not ended. (9-9-1, 9-9-3)

SITUATION 6: Team A is making a throw-in near the division line in the team’s frontcourt (Team B’s backcourt). A1’s throw-in is deflected by B1 who is applying direct pressure on A1. B2 jumps from his/her backcourt
court and catches the ball in the air. B2 lands with the first foot in the frontcourt and second foot in the backcourt. RULING: Backcourt violation on Team B. The throw-in ends with the deflection (legal touch) by B1. B2 gains possession/control and first lands in Team B’s frontcourt and then steps in Team B’s backcourt. The provision for making a normal landing only applies to the exceptions of a throw-in and a defensive player, and is only for the player making the initial touch on the ball. (9-9-1, 9-9-3)

SITUATION 7: A1, in the team’s frontcourt, passes towards A2, also in the team’s frontcourt. B1 deflects the ball toward Team A’s backcourt. The ball bounces only in Team A’s frontcourt before crossing the division line. While the ball is still in the air over Team A’s backcourt, but never having touched in Team A’s backcourt, A2 gains possession of the ball while standing in Team A’s backcourt. RULING: Backcourt violation on Team A. Team A was still in team control and caused the ball to have backcourt status. Had A2 permitted the ball to bounce in the backcourt after having been deflected by B1, there would have been no backcourt violation. (4-4-1, 4-4-3, 9-9-1)

SITUATION 8: A1, while dribbling the ball in the frontcourt near the midcourt line, has the ball strike the midcourt line and as the ball comes up from the dribble, A1 touches the ball and continues to dribble. RULING: Backcourt violation. A1 may not be the first to touch the ball in the backcourt if he/she or a teammate last touched or was touched by the ball in the frontcourt, before it went to the backcourt. (9-9-1)

SITUATION 9: A1 has the ball for an end-line throw-in in his/her frontcourt. The administering official reaches a four-second count when A1 passes the ball to A2, who had been standing in the free-throw lane since A1 had the ball at his/her disposal. RULING: Legal. Even though a team is now in control during a throw-in, the three-second rule specifically requires that a team be in control in its frontcourt for a violation to occur. Technically speaking, the thrower-in is out of bounds and not located in the frontcourt. (4-35-2, 9-7)

SITUATION 10: A1 has the ball for an end-line throw-in in his/her backcourt. The administering official reaches a four-second count when A1 passes the ball onto the court. A1’s pass to A2, who is also in Team A’s backcourt, takes several bounces and six seconds before A2 picks up and controls the ball. RULING: Legal. Even though a team is now in control during a throw-in, the 10-second rule specifically requires that a player/team be in continuous control in its backcourt for 10 seconds for a violation to occur. Technically speaking, the thrower-in is out of bounds and not located in the backcourt. (4-35-2, 9-8)

SITUATION 11: A1 has the ball for an end-line throw-in in his/her frontcourt. A1’s pass to A2, who is in the frontcourt standing near the free-throw line, is high, bounces several times and goes into Team A’s backcourt
untouched. A2 is then the first to control the ball in Team A’s backcourt. RULING: Legal. There is no backcourt violation since player control and team control had not yet been established in Team A’s frontcourt before the ball went into Team A’s backcourt. The throw-in ends when A2 legally touches the ball in the backcourt and the backcourt count starts as soon as A2 gains control in his/her backcourt. (4-12-2, 9-9)

SITUATION 12: A1 has the ball for an end-line throw-in in his/her frontcourt. A1’s pass to A2, who is in the frontcourt standing near the division line, is high and deflects off A2’s hand and goes into Team A’s backcourt. A2 is then the first to control the ball in Team A’s backcourt. RULING: Legal. There is no backcourt violation since player control and team control had not yet been established in Team A’s frontcourt before the ball went into Team A’s backcourt. The throw-in ends when A2 legally touches the ball, but the backcourt count does not start until A2 gains control in his/her backcourt. (4-12-2, 9-9)

SITUATION 13: The head coach of Team A is upset that the foul count against his team is 7 to 2. He voices his opinion in an unsporting manner to the contest official. RULING: The official should stop play if it is not a break situation with a potential scoring opportunity and give the coach an official warning by notifying the scorekeeper and then letting the coach know that he has been warned. The scorekeeper should make note of the warning in the scorebook. This situation does not have to be given a warning; the coach could be issued a technical immediately. (4-48)

SITUATION 14: During a live ball, the assistant coach is off the bench and out of the coaching box giving instructions to a player on the court. RULING: The official should rule a technical on the assistant coach for being off the bench and out of the coaching box. (4-48)

SITUATION 15: During the second quarter, the head coach is off the bench expressing his disapproval of several calls made. As the team brings the ball down the floor into the frontcourt, the trail official stops play to issue a warning. RULING: The official is correct in issuing a warning to the coach for the complaints. The scorekeeper is notified, as well as the coach, of the warning. Another warning cannot be given. (4-48)

SITUATION 16: During the warm-up period, the referee notices on the back of Team B’s jersey the letters (a) PHHS and (b) P+E+T. RULING: Legal in (a) as the letters on the jersey represent the official name of the school; illegal in (b) as the letters do not represent the name of the school, which makes the jersey illegal. The head coach shall be charged with a direct technical foul and the game will begin with the opponents shooting two free throws and receiving the ball for a division line throw-in. The head coach will lose coaching-box privileges. (3-4-4, 10-6-4)

SITUATION 17: Team A is wearing a jersey with the school name above the number on the front and the player name in the shoulder area across the back. RULING: Legal. It is permissible to place the names in these locations. (3-4-4)

[Rich]

Basketball Rules Interpretations - 2018-19
October 10, 2018

Publisher’s Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.

Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2018

SITUATION 1: A1 is dribbling the ball in frontcourt near the division line when B1 taps the ball away. The ball rolls into the backcourt where A2 is standing. A2 picks up the ball while in backcourt and starts a dribble. RULING: Legal play. The ball rolling on the floor when it crosses the division line has backcourt status; therefore, either the offense or the defense can recover the ball. (9-9-1 EXCEPTION)

SITUATION 2: A1 is straddling the division line when the ball is deflected by B1 into the backcourt. A1 is able to reach out and take possession of the ball while still straddling the division line. RULING: Legal. A1 is in the backcourt and maintains that status when she takes possession of the deflected ball. Because A1 is in the backcourt, the official must start a 10-second count and maintain the count as long as the player is in the backcourt and in possession of the ball. (9-9-1)

SITUATION 3: A1 throws a ball from the sideline, near the division line. A2 catches the ball while straddling the division line, fumbles the ball into the frontcourt and recovers the ball with one foot still in the backcourt. RULING: Violation by A2. While in player and team control in backcourt, a player shall not cause the ball to go from backcourt to frontcourt and return to backcourt, without the ball touching a player in the frontcourt, such that he or a teammate is the first to touch it in the backcourt. (4-21, 9-9-2)

SITUATION 4: Players scramble for the ball with A1 touching the ball and the boundary line. RULING: A1 has created a violation by touching the boundary line and the ball at the same time, causing the ball to be out-of-bounds. Team B shall be given the ball at the spot nearest to the violation. (7-1- 1, 7-1-2, 7-2-2, 9-3-1)

SITUATION 5: The ball is thrown from Team A’s own end line on a throw-in towards the division line. Offensive player A1 deflects the ball into the backcourt. RULING: The ball may be recovered in backcourt by the offensive team without creating a violation. (9-9-1)

SITUATION 6: A1 has tucked the bottom of his/her shorts into the tights being worn. RULING: Illegal. The referee shall not allow the player to enter the game or direct the player to leave the game until the shorts are removed from inside the tights. After making the correction, the player may re-enter the game at the appropriate time for a substitution. The uniform should be worn as the manufacturer intended it to be. (3-5-5)

SITUATION 7: Substitute A6 reports to enter the game to replace A1. A5, already in the game, is wearing a beige compression sleeve on her/his arm and leg. A6 is wearing a black headband and wristbands. RULING: A6 is not allowed to enter because the rule requires all teammates to wear the same allowable color sleeves, headbands and wristbands. No penalty is involved. A6 simply cannot participate until the color restrictions are corrected. (3-5-3)

SITUATION 8: A loose ball is on the floor and A1 dives onto the floor and secures the ball while on her/his stomach. A1 then (a) rolls over, sits up and passes the ball; (b) while on her/his stomach passes the ball to a teammate. RULING: Illegal in (a) to roll over from the stomach; (b) legal action for the ball to be passed from that position. (4-44-5b)

SITUATION 9: During warm-ups, the officials notice that some players have rolled the waistband on their shorts. What actions should be taken by the officials, if any, at this time? RULING: During the warm-up period, the referee should notify the coach of the infractions and ask that they be corrected immediately. If the corrections are not made and players attempt to enter the game with rolled waistbands, those players should not be allowed to enter the game prior to correcting the issue. If player(s) in the game have rolled waistband(s), they shall be directed to leave the game and may not re-enter until the next opportunity to substitute. No penalty is involved. The game should not be held-up to allow for the correction. (3-3-5, 3-5-5)

SITUATION 10: The ball supplied by the home team does not meet the description of a ball with a deeply-pebbled, granulated surface and does not have the NFHS Authenticating Mark applied. RULING: The referee shall make the decision on whether the ball meets the specifications to be used for the contest. The referee may select a ball that meets the specifications, even if it is one from the visiting team. (1- 12-1c)

[Rich]

SITUATION 1: A1 is waiting at the table to substitute into the game. The official recognizes the substitute is wearing pre-wrap tied in the back as a headband. RULING: The substitute is permitted to enter the game wearing the pre-wrap as a headband provided it meets all the guidelines for a headband. (3-5-4b)

SITUATION 2: A1 is wearing a ribbon to control her hair. RULING: Illegal. Ribbons are considered decorations and the athlete should not be allowed to enter the contest while wearing a ribbon in the hair. (3-5-4e)

SITUATION 3: Members on Team A are wearing headbands that have two manufacturers’ logos. RULING: Team A members wearing headbands with two manufacturers’ logos should not be allowed to enter the contest until the headbands are removed. Headbands with one manufacturer’s logo should meet the headband requirements. (3-5- 4, 3-6)

SITUATION 4: Team A is wearing a patch on its uniforms to honor one of its teammates who was injured in an accident. The patch is the school logo with his/her number on it. RULING: This is not legal. A commemorative/memorial patch may be worn on the jersey, provided it is not a logo or number, and must be worn above the neckline or in the side insert. Such patches shall not exceed 4 square inches. (3-4-2c)

SITUATION 5: B1 is observed wearing a mouthguard, but no other member of Team B is wearing this type of equipment. RULING: This is legal (personal choice), but is not mandatory. (3-8)

SITUATION 6: During the pre-game warm-up period, an official notices that A1 is wearing a religious medal on the end of a chain. RULING: The player shall be instructed that in order to wear the religious medal, the medal must be taped to the body and worn under the uniform. (3-5-4 EXCEPTION b)

SITUATION 7: A player, for religious reasons, may not wear shorts. Would he/she be able to wear tights under the basketball uniform shorts or warmups instead of shorts? RULING: NFHS basketball uniform rules do not require that the uniform pants be “shorts.” Wearing tights below the uniform shorts would be legal. The player has the option of wearing long pants as the uniform “bottom” to be in compliance with NFHS rules as well. (3-4-5, 3-5-3)

SITUATION 8: During the pre-game warm-up, the officials observe that A4 is wearing a ring with tape covering it. The officials notify A’s head coach that A4 must remove the ring in order to participate in the pre-game warm-up and the game. The coach and A4 respond that the ring cannot physically be removed. RULING: The referee informs A’s head coach that A4 cannot participate while wearing a ring, even with the tape covering it. (3-5-7)

SITUATION 9: A1, while dribbling the ball in the frontcourt near the midcourt line, has the ball strike the midcourt line and as the ball comes up from the dribble, A1 touches the ball and continues to dribble. RULING: Backcourt violation. A1 may not be the first to touch the ball after it has been in the frontcourt, if he/she or a teammate last touched or was touched by the ball in the frontcourt, before it went to the backcourt. (9-9-1)

SITUATION 10: At halftime, Team A is leading the game. A1, A2 and A3 are passing the ball among themselves to run time off the clock while not allowing Team B to gain control of the ball. B1 goes out and pushes A1 to stop the clock. The official calls a personal foul. RULING: Incorrect call. The foul was deliberate and should have been called an intentional foul. A1 should shoot two free throws and Team A should be awarded the ball for a throw-in at the spot nearest the foul. (4-19-3c)
__________________

[Rich]

RULES BOOK CORRECTIONS: Page 66, 10-6 PENALTY – Within the penalty, Section 6 should be changed to read Art. 2.

SITUATION 1: Team A head coach has received a second direct technical foul. The coach is directed to leave the vicinity of the bench and go to the locker room. The team has no other adult personnel on the bench for this contest. RULING: Since there is no other adult school personnel available to supervise the team, the contest will be declared a forfeit. The score will stand if the opposing team is ahead. If the forfeiting team is ahead, the score will be recorded as a 2-0 forfeit. (5-4-1c)

SITUATION 2: A1 is moving and catches the ball on one foot, then jumps and lands on both feet. The player then lifts the left foot and then returns it to the floor before releasing the ball to start a dribble. The official allows play to continue. RULING: The official should rule a travel on A1. When landing on one foot and then jumping and landing on both feet, the player does not have a pivot foot. If either foot is moved before releasing the ball to start a dribble, it is a travel. (4-44-2a, 3)

SITUATION 3: A1, who is dribbling the ball, is intentionally fouled as the signal to end the third quarter sounds. The official administers the free throws as a part of the third quarter and starts the fourth quarter by awarding the throw-in at the spot nearest the spot of the intentional foul. Team B has the possession arrow. RULING: The official correctly administered the free throws as a part of the third quarter. The team will not get the benefit of throw-in at the division line because the quarter ended. No penalty or part of a penalty should be carried over to the next quarter or extra period except when a correctable error is involved. The fourth quarter should begin with a throw-in by Team B, which has the possession arrow. (4-19-3c; 5-6-2 EXCEPTION 3)

SITUATION 4: Team A has its school logo placed above the number on the jersey. The official rules the jersey illegal. RULING: The official is correct. The logo may be placed in the apex of the neckline on the front of the jersey or in the upper shoulder area on the front of the jersey or a corresponding area on the back or in the side insert. It may not be placed above the number. The name of the logo may be placed above the number, not the picture. (3-4-4a)

SITUATION 5: B1 obtains a legal guarding position on A1, who is dribbling the ball near the sideline. There is no contact by A1 while B1 has both feet on the playing court. B1 stays in the path of A1 but in doing so has (a) one foot touching the out-of-bounds boundary line, or (b) one foot in the air over the out-of-bounds boundary line when A1 contacts B1 in the torso. RULING: In (a), a blocking foul shall be called on B1. B1 may not be touching out of bounds. In (b), a player-control foul shall be called on A1; B1 had established and maintained a legal guarding position. (4-23-2, 4-23-3, 4-35-1)

SITUATION 6: Team A (free-throw shooting team) has no players in marked lane spaces. Team B (non-shooting team) has (a) four players in the first and second marked lane spaces or (b) two players in the first marked lane spaces only. RULING: Legal in both (a) and (b). The shooting team is not required to have any players in marked lane spaces and the defensive team must only have the first marked lane spaces occupied. If a team does not occupy a marked lane space to which it is entitled, the opponent may occupy the space (within the number limitations). (8-1-4)

SITUATION 7: Team A is playing with five players but has no remaining substitutes available when one of the players has an asthma attack. The coach is beckoned onto the floor. RULING: The player must leave the game unless a time-out is requested and granted to Team A with the player being ready to resume by the end of the time-out. The team may continue with fewer than five players if there are no substitutes available. An injured/ill player may return to the game after recovery. (3-3-6)

SITUATION 8: A1 is fouled by B2 and is awarded two free throws. The foul is B2’s fifth foul. The new trail official reports the fifth foul to Team B’s coach. Before a substitute is made, the lead official incorrectly permits A1 to attempt the first free throw. The officials realize the error and huddle to discuss the situation. RULING: The result of the first attempt shall stand. Team B’s head coach shall be notified of B2’s disqualification. Once B2 has been replaced, A1 shall attempt the second free throw. COMMENT: This is an official’s error and not a correctable-error situation according to Rule 2-10. (2-8-3, 4-14-1, 6-1-2c)

SITUATION 9: A1, while being defended, is driving from near the free-throw line extended toward the end line. A1 continues toward the end line and pulls up and goes airborne just before the boundary line with his/her momentum carrying him/her out of bounds. Just as A1 goes airborne, he/she passes off to a teammate across the lane and lands out of bounds. RULING: No violation. A player’s momentum, after performing legal actions on the court that results in taking him/her out of bounds is not a violation for leaving the floor for an unauthorized reason. However, if A1 purposely or deceitfully delays returning after legally being out of bounds to gain an advantage, a player technical foul would be assessed. (4-4-3, 9-3-3, 10-4-2)

SITUATION 10: A1 fouls out of the game. The Team A coach talks to a substitute and within 15 seconds sends the substitute to the table to report in the game. A Team B player then requests a time-out. RULING: Since a time-out may not be granted until a disqualified player is replaced, the administering official should ask the substitute at the table if he/she is the replacement for A1. If so, the time-out may be granted. If not, the substitute shall remain at the table and the coach must still replace A1 within the specified timeframe before the time-out may be granted. (3-3-1, 5-8-3b, 10-6-2)

[Rich]

CORRECTIONS:
RULES BOOK: Page 72, SHOT CLOCK – STATE ASSOCIATION ADOPTION: THE SHOT CLOCK OPERATOR SHALL: 6b(vii); After a held ball occurs during after an unsuccessful try…

CASE BOOK: Page 4, Rule 1, GAME BALL 1.12.3 SITUATION: RULING: Yes, the home team shall…

SITUATION 1: Team A members are wearing white jerseys which have (a) a manufacturer’s logo in the apex of the neckline; (b) a paw print in the apex of the neckline. RULING: (a) Illegal – technical foul charged directly to the head coach; (b) legal. COMMENT: Manufacturer’s logos are allowed to be placed no more than 5 inches below the shoulder seam on the front of the jersey. The apex of the neckline is reserved for a school or conference logo/ mascot. (3-4-2a, d; 10-6-4)

SITUATION 2: A player from Team A is wearing a religious head covering (a) secured around the head/face with no added fasteners or abrasive materials; (b) secured with bobby pins; (c) tied together in a knot behind the head. RULING: (a) Legal; (b) and (c) illegal. COMMENT: Players may wear head coverings for religious reasons that fit securely and are free from abrasive materials. There is no longer a need for state association approval. Bobby pins, barrettes and extensions that tie in a knot are not permitted. (3-5-4d, e)

SITUATION 3: A1 sets a stationary screen within the lateral field of vision of a stationary opponent (B1) without leaving space for B1 to avoid the screen. RULING: Legal screen. COMMENT: If the screener is set within the field of vision of the stationary opponent, the screener may establish a screen as close to the opponent as desired. (4-40-3)

SITUATION 4: A1 sets a stationary screen on a stationary B1 from behind. B1 takes one step backwards before making contact with the screener. RULING: Legal screen. COMMENT: If the screener is set outside the field of vision of a stationary opponent, the screener must allow the opponent one normal step backward before contact is made. (4-40-4)

SITUATION 5: A1 attempts to set a screen on B1 who is moving laterally. A1 establishes a stationary screening position which does not allow B1 to avoid contact by stopping or changing direction and contact is made. RULING: Illegal screen. COMMENT: When screening a moving opponent, the screener shall allow the opponent both time and distance to avoid contact by stopping or changing direction. The speed of the player to be screened will determine where the screener may take position, which will vary between one to two normal steps or strides from the opponent. (4-40-5)

SITUATION 6: Player A1 is moving in the same path and direction as B1 who is attempting to set a screen on A1. A1 stops to legally guard B2. B1 overruns A1 and makes contact before establishing position for the screen. RULING: Illegal screen. COMMENT: When screening an opponent who is moving the same path and direction as the screener, the player behind is responsible if contact is made because the player in front slows up or stops and the player behind overruns his/her opponent. (4-40-6)

SITUATION 7: A1 sets a legal screen outside of the visual field of B1. B1 attempts to avoid contact by stopping – due to B1’s speed, contact is made with the screener. B1 continues by moving around the screen after contact. RULING: Incidental contact. COMMENT: In cases of screens outside the visual field, the opponent may make inadvertent contact with the screener and if the opponent is running rapidly, the contact may be severe. Such a case is to be ruled as incidental contact provided the opponent stops or attempts to stop on contact and moves around the screen. (4-40-7)

SITUATION 8: A1 sets a legal screen on B1. B1 grabs A1 by the arm in order to pull through the screen and maintain defensive positioning on the other side of the screen. RULING: Illegal use of hands. COMMENT: A player may not use the arms, hands, hips or shoulders to force through a screen or to hold the screener and then push the screener aside in order to maintain a guarding position on an opponent. (4-40-8).

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

SITUATION 1: An official notices that No. 23 on Team A is wearing earbuds during pregame warm-ups. The official notifies the head coach of Team A that wearing equipment which, in the referee’s judgment, is dangerous or confusing to other players or is not appropriate is not allowed. The official then directs the coach to notify No. 23 that the earbuds need to be removed. No penalties are assessed. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: Officials’ jurisdiction, prior to the game, begins when they arrive on the floor. Officials should use pregame warm-ups and the pregame meeting to identify and address
illegal uniforms and equipment. Items that have the potential to increase risk, such as headphones and earbuds, should be corrected when addressed by the official. Illegal items that do not increase risk, such as player equipment that violates the manufacturer’s logo
or color rules, must be corrected before the player(s) can enter the game. (2-2-2,
2-4-5, 3-5-1)

SITUATION 2: Team A members are wearing white jerseys which have (a) a large paw print on the front of the jersey above the number in place of lettering to identify the school; or (b) a paw print as the “o” in the identifying team name “SOUTH” on the front above the number. RULING: (a) Illegal – technical foul charged directly to the head
coach; (b) legal. COMMENT: Decorative accents are allowed as part of the identifying name or abbreviation above the number. Images of school mascots or references without lettering identifying the school are not compliant. Only one technical foul is charged regardless of the number of offenders. (3-4-4a, 3-4-4f, 10-6-4 PENALTY)

SITUATION 3: No. 32 on Team A has hard beads secured at the end of long braids. The braids are secured close to the head in a tightly wrapped bun. During play, No. 32’s hair bun becomes dislodged and (a) the braids become unsecured from the head; (b) the beads
become dislodged and fall on the court. RULING: In both (a) and (b), no penalty is assessed. COMMENT: In (a) and (b), the official shall stop play and require No. 32 to secure the hair adornments close to the head. If this cannot be done immediately, No. 32 will be asked to exit, and a substitute shall enter. In (b), the official shall ensure the
playing area is free from loose beads before resuming play. (3-5-4d)

SITUATION 4: Teams A and B are using a 35-second shot clock. No. 5 on Team A inbounds the ball in the backcourt after a made try by Team B. A20 tips the inbound pass knocking it away but then chases it down and gains control. The official uses the 35-second shot clock to administer the 10-second count which started on the touch by A20.
RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: When utilizing the 35-second shot clock to administer the 10-second backcourt count, the 10-second count shall begin when the ball touches or is legally touched by a player on the court. When a shot clock is not being used, the 10-second official’s count begins when A20 gains control. (SHOT CLOCK –
STATE ASSOCIATION ADOPTION)

[Rich]

Publisher’s Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set
aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.
Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2023

2023-24 NFHS Basketball Rules Book Corrections: (Underlining shows additions; strikethrough shows deletions.)

Page 58, 8-5-3 – By any player of the free-thrower's team from the out-of-bounds spot nearest the foul if the free throw is for an intentional personal foul or flagrant personal foul from: a. One of the four designated spots nearest the foul if the team retains possession in its frontcourt, or b. The out of bounds spot nearest the foul if the team retains possession in its backcourt.

Page 59, 9-1 PENALTIES 1c – If the violation occurs during a free throw for a flagrant personal foul or an intentional personal foul, the ball is awarded to the thrower’s team for a throw-in from the one of the four designated spots nearest the violation. out-of-bounds spot nearest the foul.

Page 61, 9-2 PENALTY: (Section 2) – Following a violation: a. If the opponent is awarded possession in its frontcourt, the throw-in will be at one of the four designated spots nearest the violation. b. If the opponent is awarded possession in its backcourt, the ball is awarded to the opponent for a throw-in will be at the original throw-in spot.

2023-25 NFHS Basketball Officials Manual Corrections: Page 172, NOTIFY COACH OF DISQUALIFIED PLAYER – When a player fouls out, the calling official is responsible for notifying the coach, having table personnel start the 20 15-second substitution clock and informing the player,…

2023-24 NFHS Basketball Case Book Corrections: (Underlining shows additions; strikethrough shows deletions.)

Page 63, 8.6.2 SITUATION A – RULING:…Team B will be awarded the ball for a throw-in at one of the four designated spots nearest the foul if the foul took place in Team B’s frontcourt or the out-of-bounds spot nearest to where A2’s foul occurred if in the backcourt.

Page 65, 9.1.2 SITUATION B: A1 is shooting the first second of a bonus free-throw situation…

Page 66, 9.1.3 SITUATION E – RULING:…the ball is awarded to Team A at one of the two designated end line spots nearest to the out-of-bounds spot nearest to where the foul occurred.

SITUATION 1: Team A has an alternating possession throw-in at the division line to start the second quarter. (A) Team A commits a violation by taking longer than five seconds to release the ball, (b) A2 commits a common foul in Team A's backcourt near the free throw line before the bonus is in effect. RULING: In (a) Team B is awarded a division line throw-in and in (b) Team B is awarded a throw-in from one of the designated spots closest to where the foul was committed. COMMENT: A throw-in violation that occurs during a division line throw-in remains at the division line. When a foul occurs during a division line throw-in the spot of the in-bound will be based on where the foul occurred. (5-4-2, 7-5-3a, 7-5-4)

SITUATION 2: Team A has possession of the ball in its frontcourt when the ball is deflected out of bounds by Team B. The ball exits the court along the end line close to the right sideline. Team A is granted an inbounds at the location where the ball exited the court. While Team A is trying to inbounds the ball, Team A calls a time-out. After the time-out, the inbounds spot (a) returns to the same spot; (b) moves to the designated spot 3 feet outside of the lane along the end line. RULING: (a) Correct procedure; (b) Incorrect procedure. COMMENT: Since the ball was not on the court, the time-out did not create a “stoppage in play” that would move the inbounds spot to one of the four designated spots. Play will continue from the inbounds spot established by the deflection of the ball by Team B. (7-5-2, 7-5-3a)

SITUATION 3: Team A has possession of the ball in its frontcourt when the ball is deflected out of bounds by Team B. The ball exits the court along the end line close to the right sideline. Team A is granted an inbounds at the location where the ball exited the court. While Team A is inbounding the ball, B1 (a) commits a common foul – the team’s third foul of the quarter; (b) intentionally kicks the ball as it is passed to A2. The throw-in location for (a) and (b) moves to the designated spot closest to where the foul/violation occurred. RULING: (a) and (b) correct procedure. COMMENT: Team A will retain possession in its frontcourt after a foul/ violation. The new throw-in location for Team A will be at one of the four designated spots nearest to the foul/violation. (7-5-2, 7-5-3a, 7-5-4)

SITUATION 4: An official administers a throw-in to Team A, when the throw-in should have been given to Team B. A1 inbounds the ball to A2 and A2 scores quickly before the officials realize their mistake. Before the ball is inbounded by Team B, the official stops play, communicates with the scorekeeper to remove the points scored, tells the timer to reset the clock to the time remaining when the throw-in was awarded to the wrong team and awards Team B a throw-in. RULING: Incorrect procedure. COMMENT: Once the ball is dead following the made basket by A2, no correction can be made. After the ball has been inbounded by the wrong team the correction has to be made before the ball becomes dead or before there is a change in possession. Play continues with Team B’s throw-in from the end line after the made basket by A2. (7-6-6)

SITUATION 5: An official administers a throw-in to Team A, when the throw-in should have been given to Team B. A1 inbounds the ball to A2 and (a) A2 attempts a try, and the official realizes their mistake and blows their whistles while the ball is in flight – the try is good; (b) A2 attempts a try and the official realizes their mistake and blows their whistle while the ball is in flight – the try is not good and Team A secures the rebound.  RULING: In (a) and (b) the status of the ball has changed and is no longer in Team A’s control while it is in flight. The mistake cannot be corrected. COMMENT: While the ball has not become dead or changed possession, the status of the ball has changed. Once the ball has changed status away from team control no correction can be made. In (a) the points are added to the team score for Team A and Team B will have the end line on the in-bound. In (b), regardless of which team gets the rebound, the ball is awarded based on the alternate possession arrow since there was no team control when the whistle was blown. The throw-in would take place at the nearest spot in the backcourt or one of the four spots in the frontcourt nearest the ball. If no whistle had been blown, play would continue without stoppage. (7-6-6)

SITUATION 6: An official administers a throw-in to Team A, when the throw-in should have been given to Team B. A1 inbounds the ball to A2 and B2 knocks the ball loose. While the ball is loose, the official recognizes their mistake, whistles and awards the ball to Team B for a throw-in from the same spot. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: A loose ball does not change the status of the ball as it is still in Team A’s control. The mistake can be corrected until the status of the ball changes. The clock should be reset to the time remaining when the throw-in was made by Team A. (7-6-6)

SITUATION 7: A1 takes off from inbounds, jumps over the end line, catches an errant pass and throws it back inbounds to teammate A2 in Team A’s frontcourt. A1 lands out of bounds and runs back onto the court and catches the first pass from A2. RULING: Legal. COMMENT: A player stepping out of bounds to make a play on the ball and then returning to the court has not left the court under the player’s own volition. The player left the court to make a play on the ball and is eligible to receive the first pass once inbounds position is established. (9-3-3)

SITUATION 8: B1 is defending A1 in Team A’s frontcourt. B1 runs out of bounds across the end line to avoid a screen set by A2. Upon returning to the court, B1 (a) intercepts a pass from A3 to A1; (b) touches the ball as it is passed from A3 to A1 before A1 retains possession for Team A. In both (a) and (b), B1 is the first player to touch the ball after returning to the playing court. RULING: (a) Out-of-bounds violation; (b) no violation. COMMENT: B1 left the court under the player’s own volition and became the first player to touch the ball after returning to the playing court. In (a), a violation is called due to the advantage gained by B1’s actions that resulted in Team B gaining possession. In (b), Team A retained possession after the touch by B1 – play continues with Team A in possession. (9-3-3)

SITUATION 9: A1, located in Team A’s frontcourt, passes the ball to A2. The ball strikes the division line and continues to A2, who is also in the frontcourt, without being touched by an opponent. RULING: Backcourt violation. COMMENT: The ball was in team control in the frontcourt and went to the backcourt when it contacted the division line and first touched by Team A. Since the violation occurred in Team A’s frontcourt, Team B is awarded a possession throw-in in its backcourt at the spot nearest the violation. (9-9-1, 9-9 PENALTY)

SITUATION 10: A1, while dribbling the ball in team A’s frontcourt, steps on but not over the division line. RULING: Backcourt violation. COMMENT: The ball was in team control in the frontcourt and went to the backcourt when A1 contacted the division line. Team B is awarded a possession throw-in in its frontcourt at one of the four designated spots nearest the violation. (9-9-1, 9-9 PENALTY)

[Rich]

Basketball Rules Interpretations - 2024-25
By NFHS on October 25, 2024

Publisher’s Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.

Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2024

2024-25 NFHS Basketball Case Book Corrections: (Underlining shows additions; strikethrough shows deletions.)

Page 5, 10.1.1 PEN SITUATION: ... No free throws are shot and neither coach loses both coaches lose the privilege of the coaching box.

Page 52, 6.4.1 SITUATION A:…B1, a designated starter, is discovered to be wearing an illegal jersey number,…

Page 54, 6.4.1 SITUATION F: RULING: The game will start with administration of the technical-foul free throws in the order in which the fouls were called. Team B shoots first followed by Team A. Team A will then be given the ball for a throw-in at the division line opposite the table. When the thrower of Team A is bounced the ball or it is placed at Team A’s disposal, the possession arrow will be set pointing toward Team B’s basket. (4-3, 7-5-6a) Each team is assessed a foul to count toward its team-foul count. The free throws for the technical fouls offset and the game will begin with a jump ball. Both head coaches do not lose the privilege of using the coaching box. No free throws are attempted, and the game begins with a jump ball. COMMENT: Because the technical fouls occur during pregame, in equal numbers, they offset. [10-1-1 PENALTY, 10-1-2 PENALTY, 10-2-7 PENALTY (NEW). 10-5-1 PENALTY (NEW)]

SITUATION 1 (ELECTRONIC DEVICES): An official observes a Team A team member wearing headphones during pregame or halftime warm-up. The official notifies the coach and the coach instructs the team member to remove the headphones for safety reasons. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: Electronic devices may be utilized for the purposes of recording and tracking stats, reviewing or diagramming plays, or performing other similar contest-related functions. (1-19, 3-7)

SITUATION 2 (BLOOD): The official discovers a player from Team A has a bloody nose. The official directs the player to the bench and notifies the timer to start the 20-second timer. The bleeding is stopped or controlled within 20 seconds, the player is allowed to stay in the game and play is resumed at the point of interruption. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: The player may return to the game if the bleeding is stopped, the wound is covered, the uniform and/or body is appropriately cleaned, and/or the uniform is changed before returning to competition within 20 seconds. The player may return to the game if a time-out is requested by, and granted to, the player’s team and the situation can be corrected by the end of the time-out, or the head coach chooses to substitute for the bleeding player, and is given the 15-second interval of time to make the substitution. (3-3-7)

SITUATION 3 (FAKING BEING FOULED): Offensive player, A1, is dribbling the ball and fakes being fouled by using a “head bob” to simulate illegal contact. When the official identifies behavior that rises to the level of faking being fouled, the whistle is blown and the faking the foul signal (New #15) is displayed. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: First Infraction – Team A has control of the ball, so the official will report the warning to the table, notify the head coach, and the ball will be inbounded at the point of interruption (POI). If A1 was in Team A’s frontcourt, Team A would have a throw-in at one of the four designated spots closest to where the faking being foul occurred. If A1 was in Team A’s backcourt, the throw-in is from the spot out of bounds closest to where the faking being fouled occurred. Subsequent Infraction – A team technical foul is charged to Team A. Team B will shoot two free throws and is awarded the ball for a throw-in at the division line opposite the scorer’s table. (4-36- 2a, 4 49-1b, 10-2-1h, 10-2 PENALTY)

SITUATION 4 (FAKING BEING FOULED): Team B had previously been warned for faking being fouled. B1 attempts to draw a charge and the official rules that B1 was faking being fouled (second offense), the official gives the proper signal and allows play to continue so as not to penalize the offensive team. Prior to Team B gaining possession or the ball becoming dead, Team A commits a foul after the try while rebounding. Team B is not in the bonus. Team A shoots two free throws for the technical foul for the second flopping offense on Team B (team technical) and is awarded the ball at the division line opposite the scorer’s table. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: When a technical foul for faking being fouled is called (meaning the second or more infraction), the penalty for that foul goes last in the order. While the official has “seen” and “signaled” for faking being fouled first, the whistle was withheld and thus the common foul by Team A is the reason the play was stopped. Since Team B is not in the bonus, Team B does not shoot free throws for Team A’s common foul. Team A shoots free throws for the faking being fouled technical and then is awarded the ball for a throw-in at the division line opposite the scorer’s table. (4-49)

SITUATION 5 (FAKING BEING FOULED): While guarding A1, who is dribbling in the frontcourt, B1 commits the team’s second faking being fouled of the game. The official gives the proper delayed violation signal and allows play to continue. A1 then commits a traveling violation. A team technical foul is charged to Team B. Team A will shoot two free throws and is awarded the ball for a division line throw-in opposite the scorer’s table. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: Even though Team B was entitled to the throw-in as a result of the traveling violation, the technical foul and resulting penalties supersede A1’s violation. (4-49)

SITUATION 6 (CORRECTING A THROW-IN): The official administers the throw-in to the wrong team and the mistake is noticed and corrected within the time allowed. Time should be added back on the clock if the official has definite knowledge. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: The ball should be put back to the original throw-in location to the “correct” team, and time should be added back on the clock with “definite” knowledge. (5-10-1, 7-6-6)

SITUATION 7: (PRE-GAME TECHNICAL FOULS): The head coach of Team A is charged with an unsporting direct technical foul during pregame and Team B is charged with team technical foul for dunking. The free throws for the technical fouls offset, each team is charged with a team foul, and the game starts with a jump ball. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: Because there were technical fouls for each team and they were equal in number, they offset and no free throws are awarded. However, the head coach of Team A loses the use of the coaching box based on the unsporting technical. Because pregame dunking has moved from a bench technical to a team technical, the head coach of Team B does not lose the privilege of using the coaching box. (10-2-7, 10-2 PENALTY, 10-5-1, 10-5 PENALTY)