NFHS June 6, 2013 Release ...

[BillyMac]

2013-14 BASKETBALL RULES CHANGES

1-19 New The use of electronic devices is permitted during the game.

3-4-2a A single visible manufacturer's logo/trademark/reference is permitted on the team jersey, not to exceed 2 1/4 square inches with no dimension more than 2 1/4 inches. The manufacturer's logo may be located no more than 5 inches below the shoulder seam on the front of the jersey, or 2 inches from the neckline on the back of the jersey; or in either side insert.

3-5-3 Arm and leg compression sleeves shall: .

10-1-3 A team shall not:
a. Use a megaphone or any electronic communication device at courtside, or electronic equipment for voice communication with players on the court.
b. Use electronic audio and /or video devices to review a decision of the contest officials.

10-4-5 Note The head coach may enter the court in the situation where a fight may break out or has broken out to prevent the situation from escalating.

Signal Chart Added a mechanic of a defensive tip (brushing one hand over the other above the head) to indicate the official has ruled the ball entered the backcourt as a result of contact with a defensive player.

COMMENTS ON THE 2013-14 RULES CHANGE

USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES (1-19 NEW and 10-1-3): The previous rule was difficult to monitor and enforce by the contest officials. This rule allows the coach to take advantage of electronic tools available for use in coaching and gathering statistics. While in use, the coach must be in compliance with the guidelines that specify that electronic devices may not be used to communicate with the players on the playing floor nor can the devise be used to dispute an official's call.

ADDITIONAL OF A SINGLE MANUFACTURER'S LOGO TO THE JERSEY (3-4-2a): This change would bring basketball in compliance with other NFHS sports that allow the use of a single manufacturer's logo on the jersey of the playing uniform.

LEG COMPRESSION SLEEVE REQUIREMENTS (3-5-3): The specifications for leg compression sleeves were added because of the frequent use of these sleeves for non-medical reasons. The specifications match those of arm compression sleeve. They must be white, beige, or a single solid school color. The sleeve must be the same color for each team member and have only a single manufacturer's logo that does not exceed 2 1/4 square inches. The sleeve must be worn for medical reasons only.

HEAD COACH ENTERING THE PLAYING COURT (10-4-5 NOTE): While the head coach and his/her assistants have an obligation to ensure bench personnel comply with Rule 10-4-5, if a situation develops where a fight either has or may break out, the head coach by his/her presence can be instrumental in preventing the situation from escalating and assisting the game officials in controlling the situation. This change will remove the requirement of the head coach being beckoned onto the floor by the officials in this situation which will result in a more expedient resolution of the situation and restoration of order. The change will also allow the officials a greater opportunity to assess appropriate penalties by being able to observe the situation because of the increased assistance the head coach(es) will provide by their presence.

TIP SIGNAL: This signal increases the official's ability to communicate with the players, coaches and fans on critical plays. Immediately communicating whether or not the defense tipped the ball allows the offensive team to immediately know whether or not they can recover the ball without penalty. Having no signal actually gives the defense an unfair advantage as they do not need to know which team caused the ball to enter the backcourt, they can recover the ball without penalty regardless.

2013-14 BASKETBALL EDITORIAL CHANGES

1-13-2 The coaching box shall be outlined outside the side of the court on which the scorer's and timer's table and team benches are located. The area shall be bounded by a line drawn 14 feet from the end line towards the mid-court. At this point a line drawn from the sideline toward the team bench becomes the end of the coaching box going towards the end line. From this line go another 14 feet towards the mid-court, then a line drawn towards the bench becomes the end of the coaching box closest to mid-court. The coaching box is 14 feet long placed in the middle of the regulation 42 feet long half court. These lines shall be located off the court and be 2 inches wide.

3-5-1 Note Each state association may, in keeping with applicable laws, authorize exceptions to NFHS playing rules to provide reasonable accommodations to individual participants with disabilities and/or special needs, as well as those individuals with unique and extenuating circumstances. The accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sport heighten risk to the athlete/others or place opponents at a disadvantage.

2013 Points of Emphasis

Granting Time-Out – Coaches and officials are reminded of the proper procedures in requesting and granting time-out. Coaches are encouraged to give both a visual signal and verbal request when a requesting time-out. Officials need to know the status of the ball and whether it is in player control. Having a full view of the player in control who is requesting the time-out is critical to determining if you may grant a time-out. It’s vital to know the situation of the game, the proper sequence of calling a time-out, then using proper signals to notify the scorer.

Guidelines to Enforce Illegal Contact - When contact occurs that affects the rhythm, speed, quickness and balance of the player, illegal contact has occurred. When illegal contact occurs, fouls must be called. Officials must not refrain from calling these type of actions that create an advantage for the opponent. Illegal contact must be called regardless of time and score.

Intentional Foul - An intentional foul is a personal or technical foul that may or may not be premeditated and is not based solely on the severity of the act. It is contact that:
- Neutralizes an opponent’s obvious advantageous position.
- Contact on an opponent who is clearly not in the play.
- May be excessive contact.
- Contact that is not necessarily premeditated or based solely on the severity of the act.
This type of foul may be strategic to stop the clock or create a situation that may be tactically done for the team taking action. This foul may be innocent in severity, but without any playing of the ball, it becomes an intentional act such as a player wrapping their arms around an opponent. The act may be excessive in its intensity and force of the action. These actions are all intentional fouls and are to be called as such.

2013-15 Basketball Manual Points of Emphasis

Dead Ball Officiating – See the whole play. See the actions of all players. Don’t react too quickly that you do not see the second action or antics of a player that is inciting an opponent to react. Be aware of the whole situation so to penalize the correct player.

Proper Mechanics and Signals - The use of proper mechanics and signals are imperative to the success of the contest and the officiating team. Proper mechanics and signals will assist in communication to your partners and will aid in the effectiveness of all officials’ calls. Officials need to continue to study, emphasize and practice proper mechanics and signals with your partners and reviewing these items in a thorough pre-game conference. This will assist the crew of officials in their game preparation and performing their duties as a cohesive unit. Officials are reminded to use non-verbal cues to communicate with your partners and assist them in their efforts. Use only proper NFHS approved mechanics and signals, enforce the rules of the level being played and call the game accordingly.