NFHS Past Interpretations Archive (2025-26 Added)

[Rich]

December 10, 2025
NFHS Basketball Weekly Rule Interpretations
Rule Reference: 4-11 (Continuous Motion)
Purpose
The continuous motion rule exists to allow an offensive player to complete a legitimate try or tap for goal
when a defensive foul occurs during the shooting attempt. When a defensive foul occurs after the habitual
throwing motion has begun but before the ball is clearly in flight, the rule permits the shooter to complete
the normal shooting motion, including customary arm, foot, and body movements. This rule applies only to
defensive fouls and only within the defined interval from the start of the habitual throwing motion until the
ball is released.
Rule Language
• 4-11-1: Continuous motion applies to a try or tap for field goals and free throws, but it has no
significance unless there is a foul by any defensive player during the interval which begins when the
habitual throwing movement starts a try or with the touching on a tap and ends when the ball is
clearly in flight.
• 4-11-2: If an opponent fouls after a player has started a try or tap for field goal, the player is
permitted to complete the customary arm movement, and if pivoting or stepping when fouled, may
complete the usual foot or body movement in any activity while holding the ball. These privileges are
granted only when the usual throwing motion has started before the foul occurs and before the ball
is in flight.
• 4-11-3: Continuous motion does not apply if a teammate fouls after a player has started a try or tap
for field goal and before the ball is in flight. The ball becomes dead immediately.
Game Scenario # 1
A1 has ended their dribble in the free throw lane and (a) is stepping toward the basket; (b) is pivoting toward
the basket. In both cases, B1 fouls A1. In (a), A1 legally finishes their last step. In (b), A1 completes the pivot,
before immediately jumping to attempt a try. RULING: In (a) and (b), if the try is
successful, the goal counts. If the try is unsuccessful, A1 will be awarded two free throws as it was a two-point
attempt. COMMENT: It should be noted that A1 does not have to be stepping toward the goal for continuous
motion to apply. Some shot attempts require a player to step away from the basket to begin the habitual
motion that precedes a try (e.g. “step back” jump shot, ‘euro step”).
Game Scenario # 2
A1 starts the free-throwing motion when B5 fouls A5. RULING: The continuous motion rule applies and A1
may release the ball and if the throw is successful, the point counts.
Interpretation & Enforcement
• Continuous motion applies both to tries and taps for field goals and free throws, but it has no
significance unless there is a foul by the defense during the interval which begins when the habitual
trying or tapping movement starts and ends when the ball is clearly in flight.
• If a player with the ball is pivoting or stepping when fouled, they may complete the usual foot or
body movement in any activity while holding the ball to complete the try.

[Rich]

December 17, 2025
NFHS Basketball Weekly Rule Interpretations
Rule Reference: Rule 4-49 — Faking Being Fouled
The rule exists to preserve the integrity of the game and protect the credibility of officiating. Players who
fake being fouled gain an unfair advantage, place undue influence on officials, and misrepresent
legitimate basketball actions. By penalizing such behavior:
• Officials ensure the game is decided by skill and legal play, not deception.
• Coaches and players understand that attempts to manipulate officiating will not be tolerated.
• Consistency is promoted across all levels of play, reinforcing respect for the rules.
For 2025–26, the NFHS has reaffirmed this point of emphasis to ensure renewed focus and consistent
adjudication.
Rule Language
Rule 4-49 defines and establishes a procedure for addressing unsporting acts where a player fakes being
fouled in an attempt to deceive officials. This includes actions such as:
• Exaggerating or embellishing contact on block/charge plays.
• Simulating impact during a shooting attempt.
• Using movements such as a head bob to create the appearance of illegal contact.
A corresponding official signal (#15) was introduced for enforcement. Faking being fouled results in a
team warning on the first occurrence and escalates to a team technical foul if repeated.
Types of Faking Being Fouled
o Head Bob
o Occurs when a player in control of the ball snaps their head back to simulate contact.
o First infraction: Display signal #15, immediately sound the whistle, and report a team
warning. The offending team retains possession and receives a throw-in.
o Subsequent infractions: Display signal #15, immediately sound whistle, and charge a
team technical to the offending team. The opponents are awarded two free throws and
the ball at the division line opposite the scorer’s table.
o In the Act of Shooting
o Occurs when a shooter falls or exaggerates contact without defensive contact after
releasing the ball.
o First infraction: Display signal #15 displayed, the whistle is withheld, and play is allowed
to continue.
o Play stops when:
o The try is successful;
o The defense secures the rebound;
o The offense rebounds without immediate attempt to score; or
o Another dead ball occurs.
o Subsequent infractions: Display signal #15, immediately sound whistle, count the goal
counts if the try is successful. Charge a team technical foul to the offending team. The
opponents are awarded two free throws and the ball at the division line opposite the
table.
o While on Defense
o Defensive player simulates being fouled by falling to the floor without illegal contact.
o First Infraction/subsequent Infractions: Display signal #15, the whistle is withheld, and play
is allowed to continue.
o Play should then be stopped when:
o The offensive team scores (which may include multiple attempts at the basket),
o The defensive team gains control of the ball,
o The offensive team stops attacking the basket, or
o Any other action creates a dead-ball situation.
o First Infraction: A team warning is charged to the offending team. Play is resumed at the
Point of interruption.
o Subsequent Infraction: A team technical foul is charged to the offending team. The
opponents are awarded two free throws and the ball for a division line throw-in.
Scenario
In the second quarter, A1 dribbles into the lane and snaps their head backward to simulate contact from
B1, though no contact occurs. The lead official immediately recognizes the “head bob”, sounds the
whistle, displays signal #15, and reports a team warning for faking being fouled. Team A retains
possession of the ball at the designated throw-in spot nearest the infraction, determined by its location
relative to the three-point line.
Ruling: Correct procedure.
Contrast: Later in the game, A2 attempts a jump shot and, after releasing the ball, falls backward to
simulate contact though no contact occurs. The official immediately displays signal #15 and sounds the
whistle to stop play. If A2’s try is successful, the goal will count. Because Team A has already received a
prior warning, a team technical foul is assessed to Team A. Team B is awarded two free throws and
possession of the ball at the division line opposite the table.
Interpretation & Enforcement
• The first offense by a team = team warning.
• Immediate whistle on “head bob” (all infractions) and jump shooter faking (second or
subsequent infraction)
• Delayed the whistle on jump shooter faking (for the first infraction) or defensive flop (all
infractions)
• After a team warning for faking, any subsequent infraction = team technical foul.
• Proper use of signal #15 communicates the infraction to players, coaches, and spectators.
• Consistency in enforcement deters faking and supports fair competition.
Conclusion: Rule 4-49, when correctly applied, strengthens game integrity and ensures that officiating
decisions are based on actual play rather than deception.