NFHS Past Interpretations Archive (2025-26 Added)

[Rich]

November 19, 2025
NFHS Basketball Weekly Rule Interpretations
Rule Reference: 4-34-1 – Definition of a Player (2025)
Purpose
The purpose of this interpretation is to clarify the updated definition of a player and ensure consistent
enforcement by officials. By recognizing that a player is one of the five team members legally on the
court at any given time—except during time-outs or intermissions—officials, coaches, and players can
avoid misapplication of penalties and maintain accountability for all team conduct. This clarification:
• Helps distinguish between players on the court, substitutes, and bench personnel during dead
ball periods.
• Supports consistent enforcement of rules regarding penalties for technical fouls.
• Reinforces that coaches are accountable for the conduct of all team members during time-outs
and intermissions.
Rule Language
4-34-1 – Definition of a Player:
“A player is defined as one of the five team members legally on the court at any given time, except during
time-outs or intermissions. This clarification ensures proper identification of players and accountability of
the team.”
Interpretation
• A player is only considered as such while actively on the court during live play or during brief
dead ball periods other than time-outs or intermissions (e.g. after fouls, violations, held ball
situations, etc.)
• During time-outs and intermissions, all five players for each team become bench personnel for
the purpose of penalizing unsporting behavior.
• During time-outs, intermissions, or other stoppages, all individuals who are part of or affiliated
with a team, including, but not limited to: substitutes, coaches, manager(s) and statistician(s) are
considered bench personnel.
• Time-outs start when the official signals for the table to start the time-out clock.
• Intermissions begin when the signal illuminates or sounds indicating time has expired in the
previous quarter/extra period except when free throws are awarded because of a foul as time
expires. When this additional activity is needed, the quarter ends when free throws are
completed.
• Officials should focus enforcement on players on the court, while maintaining accountability of
the team through the coach for any misconduct by substitutes or bench personnel.
• Time-outs and intermissions end when the ball becomes live following the time-out or
intermission.
Game Scenario #1:
After a time-out is granted, A-1 is walking toward the bench area and directs an unsporting comment
toward an official a) before the official directs the timer to start the clock for the time-out b) after the
official directs the timer to start the clock for the time-out.
In both a) and b) A-1 is charged with an unsporting technical foul. In b) the technical foul is also charged
indirectly to the head coach of Team A which results in loss of coaching-box privileges.
RULING: Correct Procedure. After the timer was directed to start the clock for the time-out, A-1 becomes
bench personnel.
Game Scenario #2
During a timeout in the final minute, a substitute A-6 leaves the bench area and verbally directs a
comment toward an official in a manner deemed unsportsmanlike. A-6 is considered bench personnel is
charged with a technical foul. The technical foul is also indirectly charged to the Team A head coach,
who is responsible for bench conduct.
RULING: Correct Procedure
COMMENT: These scenarios help officials:
• Correctly distinguish players versus bench personnel during dead ball periods during the game.
• Prevent misapplication of penalties for technical fouls that will be charged to players, bench
personnel and head coaches.
• Hold coaches accountable for team conduct during time-outs and intermissions.
Points of Emphasis for Officials and Coaches
• Player designation: Only five team members on the court are players at any given time.
• Non-player personnel: Substitutes, bench staff, and others on the floor during time-outs or
intermissions are not considered players.
• Accountability: Coaches are responsible for the behavior of all team personnel during non-play
periods.
• Consistent enforcement: Ensures correct application of technical fouls penalties and avoid
confusion and misinterpretation of the rules.