NFHS 2025-26 Comments on the Rules...

Sep 26, 2025 by

NFHS 2025-26 Comments on the Rules

  4-6-1a & b (NEW): The definition of basket interference has been expanded to include situations in which a player slaps or strikes the backboard, causing the backboard or ring to vibrate, while the ball is in a scoring position. Specifically, if the ball is touching the backboard, located on or within the basket, or within the imaginary cylinder above the basket, such contact is now considered basket interference. This revision ensures that actions which may unfairly influence the outcome of a scoring attempt — by affecting the ball’s trajectory or stability of the basket — are penalized appropriately. Officials now have clearer guidance when adjudicating plays involving contact with the backboard during shot attempts.   4-22-1 & 2: The removal of offensive goaltending violations simplifies the enforcement of goaltending by eliminating the need for officials...

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NFHS 2025-26 Basketball Rules Changes...

Sep 26, 2025 by

NFHS 2025-26 Basketball Rules Changes

  4-6-1a & b (NEW): This rule change clarifies and expands the definition of basket interference to include additional actions that unfairly affect the ball while it is in a scoring position. Basket interference now occurs when a player slaps or strikes the backboard, causing the backboard or basket to vibrate, while the ball is on or within the basket, touching the backboard, or within the cylinder. Rationale: This clarification helps officials consistently identify interference that affects scoring plays and ensures the integrity of the basket area during shot attempts.   4-22-1 & 2: This change removes the offensive team from goaltending violations, simplifying enforcement for officials and reducing ambiguity over whether a ball was a shot or a pass. It also encourages more scoring opportunities and minimizes confusion for players and coaches. Rationale:...

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NFHS 2025-26 Basketball Points of Emphasis...

Sep 26, 2025 by

NFHS 2025-26 Basketball Points of Emphasis

Contact on the Ball Handler Continued emphasis is placed on the consistent enforcement of illegal contact involving the ball handler. While hand-checking remains a known concern, other forms of illegal contact must also be recognized and penalized. Defenders often use their hips, torsos, or other parts of the body to displace, redirect, or impede a ball handler’s freedom of movement. These tactics must be identified and addressed in accordance with the rules. Particular attention is required during late-game scenarios. Not all fouls committed in the closing moments of a contest are necessarily intentional. Determinations regarding intentional fouls must be based on the act itself, rather than on the intent or verbal instructions from coaching staff. The presence of directives such as “foul,” “red,” or “scramble” does not automatically classify the resulting contact as intentional....

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