NFHS Past Interpretations Archive (2025-26 Added)

[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.