Rule 2-1-3 NOTE (NEW):... Requires the shot clock operator to sit at the scorer’s and timer’s table, if using a shot clock.

Rationale:... Establishes the placement of the shot clock operator for those states utilizing the shot clock and the growing use of video boards that allow tablet control from anywhere in the gym.

Rule 3-4-5:... Requires uniform bottoms on teammates to be like-colored while allowing different styles of uniform bottoms among teammates.

Rationale:... Clarifies that teammates must all wear like-colored uniform bottoms but may wear multiple styles while aligning language with other NFHS rules codes.

Rule 3-5-6:... Allows undershirts worn under visiting team jerseys to be black or a single solid color similar to the torso of the jersey. All teammates wearing undershirts must wear the same solid color.

Rationale:... Allows schools with hard-to-find colors to wear black under visiting team jerseys while continuing to require all team members to match.

Rule 4-8-1:... Eliminates the one-and-one for common fouls beginning with the seventh team foul in the half and establishes the bonus as two free throws awarded for a common foul beginning with the team’s fifth foul in each quarter and resets the fouls at the end of each quarter.

Rationale:... Improves flow by providing an opportunity for teams to adjust their play by not carrying over fouls from quarters 1 and 3 to quarters 2 and 4 while significantly reducing the opportunity for correctable errors to occur. Minimizes risk of injury by eliminating the one-and-one and reducing opportunities for rough play during rebounding opportunities.

Rule 7-5-2 thru 5:... Establishes four throw-in spots (the nearest 28-feet mark along each sideline or the nearest spot 3-feet outside the lane line on the end line) when the ball is in team control in the offensive team’s frontcourt and the defensive team commits a violation, a common foul prior to the bonus, or the ball becomes dead.

Rationale:... Simplifies throw-in procedure when there is team control in the frontcourt and the defensive team commits a violation.

Rule 7-6-6:... Allows the official administering a throw-in to the wrong team to correct the mistake before the first dead ball after the ball becomes live unless there is a change of possession.

Rationale:... Allows for a correction of an official's mistake in a more reasonable timeframe. Rule 9-3-3:... Establishes that a player may step out of bounds without penalty unless they are the first player to touch the ball after returning to the court or if they left the court to avoid a violation.

Rationale:... Allows a player to step out of bounds if they gain no advantage and penalizes a team only if they gain an advantage by leaving the court and returning to avoid a violation or to be the first to touch the ball.

2023-24 Basketball Editorial Changes
2-1-1, Shot Clock Guidelines

2023-24 Basketball Points of Emphasis
1. Uniforms, Equipment and Apparel
2. Bench Decorum
3. Throw-Ins – Proper Locations

Rule 3-5-4d:... Allows hair adornments provided they are securely fastened close to the head and do not present an increased risk to the player, teammates, or opponents.

Rationale:... Creates inclusivity of hair styles while maintaining that the risk of injury to the athlete, teammates and opponents should not be compromised.

2022-23 Basketball Major Editorial Changes
Shot Clock – State Association Adoption Guidelines

2022-23 Basketball Editorial Changes
4-19-4, 4-22, 4-28-2, 6-4-3f

2022-23 Basketball Points of Emphasis
Sportsmanship
Reducing Illegal Contact – Hand Checks, Post Play, Off-Ball Play
Pregame Meeting – Addressing Illegal Uniforms, Equipment and Apparel

Rule 2-14 (NEW)... By state association adoption, effective with the 2022-2023 season, member state associations may establish a shot clock in which the team in control shall attempt a try for field goal within 35 seconds after gaining team control.
ART. 1... This shall be regulated by a visible shot clock.
ART. 2... The tap or try for field goal shall leave the shooter's hand before the expiration of time and subsequently strike the basket ring or enter the basket before or after the shot clock period has expired.

Rationale: This proposal allows each state to authorize the use of the shot clock as a state adoption. The use of the guidelines, provided in the rules book, encourage standardization among those who choose to adopt.

Rule 3-5-4e (NEW)... Head coverings worn for religious reasons shall not be made of abrasive or hard materials; and must fit securely so that it is highly unlikely to come off during play.
NOTE: The State Association shall be notified, after the contest, if there is a concern about a head covering worn for religious reasons.

Rationale: The addition of this provision allows for religious head coverings to be permitted without state association approval provided they are secured properly and not made of abrasive or hard materials.

Rule 3-5-4f EXCEPTION... Head decorations and headwear, except those specified above, are prohibited.
EXCEPTION: State associations may on an individual basis permit a player to participate while wearing a head covering if it meets the following criteria: a. In the event a participant is required by a licensed medical physician to cover the head with a covering or wrap, the physician’s statement is required before the state association can approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and which is attached in such a way that it is highly unlikely to come off during play.
Delete: b. For religious reasons: In the event there is documented evidence provided to the state association (or designee) that a participant may not expose his/her uncovered head, the state association may approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely to come off during play.

Rationale: The playing rules were modified to add a provision that allows for religious head coverings to be permitted without state association approval.

MANUAL- Part 3 SIGNALS 36 & 37... Eliminate signal #37 (Team Control Foul) Maintain use of signal #36 for Player Control and Team Control Foul

Player/Team Control Foul #36 Preceded by stop clock (Signal 4). The same hand used to stop the clock is placed at the back of the head (Signal 36). The directional signal (Signal 6) shall be given and then indicate the ensuing throw-in spot (Signal 7). A common foul committed by a player while that player is in control of the ball or by an airborne shooter. A common foul committed by a member of the team that has control.

Rationale: It is redundant to have different signals to communicate that a foul will be charged to a member of the team in control of the ball. Officials do not understand the need to differentiate between a player control foul and a team control foul and many game participants, table personnel, and fans do not know the difference. This change would not alter any rules or rule definitions.

Rule 3 Section 4 Art. 3e (2)... The team jersey color itself when bordered with not more than two ¼ inch solid border(s) contrasting with the team jersey color. (Effective 2023-24)

Rationale: The number being the same color as the jersey, though bordered by a contrasting color, is difficult to see. Two options for number design remain.

Rule 3 Section 5 Art. 4b...A headband is any item that goes around the entire head. It must be a circular design without extensions. If worn, only one headband is permitted, it must be worn on the forehead/crown. It must be nonabrasive and unadorned, and it must be no more than 3 inches wide.

Rationale: I am suggesting that we make the Basketball and Volleyball rule codes on headbands, the same. Girls are wearing headbands that are wider than 2 inches in basketball but are allowed to wear up to 3-inch headbands in volleyball. I think it would help girls who are in these two sports to comply with the rule without confusion.

Rule 3 Section 5 Art. 4d...Add to (d) - Hair control devices are not required to meet color restrictions.

Rationale: To address inconsistent interpretations regarding items such as pre-wrap controlling hair.

Rule 3 Section 5 Art. 5...Add Note: NOTE: Provided the shorts are not in conflict with 3-4-5, no drawstring or other part of the shorts intended to maintain them in a normal position causes potential harm to the player or others and wearing of the shorts is not objectionable in exposing the anatomy, there is no restriction on folding or rolling the shorts at the natural waistband seam.

Rationale: Rolling of the shorts is only illegal by interpretation, not by current rule. This is an attempt to modernize the rule and allow what players seem to want and what serves as no harm to the game or its integrity. In particular, this interpretation was made because allegedly manufacturers did not intend on the shorts to be rolled when in fact many manufacturer reps will tell you that the seams are intentionally made to offer options in the way they are worn.

Rule 3 Section 5 Art. 8 NEW MOUTHGUARD...

  1.  A tooth and mouth protector (intraoral), if worn shall:

      a.  include an occlusal (protecting and separating the biting surfaces) portion;

      b.  include a labial (protecting the teeth and supporting structures) portion;

      c.  cover the posterior teeth with adequate thickness;

  2.  It is recommended that the protector be properly fitted, protecting the anterior (leading) dental arch and:

      a.  constructed from a model made from an impression of the individual’s teeth, or

      b.  constructed and fitted to the individual by impressing the teeth into the tooth and mouth protector itself.

  3.  State associations may deem a tooth and mouth protector required equipment.

Change section 6 to 7; change section 7 to 8.

Rationale:  Provides another safety option with specific with coverage for the devise.

Rule 9 Section 9 Art. 9 Exception...

A ball in team control of Team A in the front court that is deflected by a defensive player, which causes the ball to go into the backcourt, may be recovered by either team unless the offense was the last to touch the ball before it went into the backcourt. If the offense was last to touch the ball in its frontcourt, only the defense can legally recover the basketball.

Rationale:  This was the original intent of the proposal from 2017-18 and 2018-19. Despite the committee's best efforts, the wording adopted, which mirrored the intent, has caused issues. This wording is identical to the exception at other levels of play and easier to teach and understand.

Rule 10 Section 5 Art. 5 Note...

The head coach and any number of assistant coaches may enter the court in the situation where a fight may break out - or has broken out - to prevent the situation from escalating.

Rationale:  Based on some fight situations that I have seen and heard about over the last couple years at the high school level, I believe that this change, which was instituted at the NCAA level, is a change that is good for the game of basketball and in regard to player safety. It is difficult in our society for officials to be able to help to separate players involved in a fight since our society has become very litigious. Changing the rule to allow the head coach and assistant coaches to assist in these types of situations will help the officials to regain control of the entire situation more quickly and especially in regard to player safety.

Stop Clock for Jump/Held Ball-Part 3 of the NFHS Basketball Officials Manual-#3...

When a held ball occurs, covering official(s) shall stop the clock using signal #2 (straight arm, open palm extended) while simultaneously sounding their whistle. Then both arms are extended straight out, at chest level, with fist clinched. Thumbs are displayed as a part of the signal. Signal is given with both arms moving in an upward motion. Should be followed with a directional signal (See #6) indicating team possession.

*  Occurs when opponents both have their hands on the ball and neither can gain control

*  When an opponent places their hand on the ball and prevents an airborne shooter from passing or releasing the try.

Rationale:  This change should help in the alleviation of conflicting calls by officials when a held ball occurs, ie jump ball and foul both called on the same play. We currently raise one arm to stop the clock for everything except the jump/held ball.

2018-19 Basketball Rules Interpretations

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.

Rule 1 Section 12 Art. 1c...It shall have a deeply-pebbled, granulated surface, with horizontally shaped panels bonded tightly to the rubber carcass.

Rationale:  The additional words give manufacturers a better sense of what a deeply-pebbled cover should look like.

Rule 9 Section 9 Art. 1...A player shall not be the first to touch the ball after it has been in team control 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. EXCEPTION: Any player located in the backcourt may recover a ball deflected from the frontcourt by the defense.

Rationale:  To ensure that a team is not unfairly disadvantaged on a deflected pass.

2018-19 Basketball Rules Interpretations

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) •May be excessive contact.

Federation Basketball Rules Changes - 2017-18

The following is taken from the NFHS web site.