Basketball Rule Changes for the 2021-22 season

[Alum-Ni]

From the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), rule changes for the 2021-22 high school basketball season:

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. This shall be regulated by a visible shot clock. 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.

=====================================

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.

While several states have utilized a variety of options to permit the use of a shot clock in high school basketball, this allowance has not previously been permitted within the NFHS playing rules. Effective with the 2022-2023 program year, state associations may utilize a 35-second shot clock and in compliance with 2-14, be considered to be adhering to the playing rules.

In adopting the option to utilize the shot clock, the committee remains cognizant of the many advocates and opponents of its use and has encouraged standardization among those who choose to adopt. In this way, future committees can gather and analyze consistent data as they evaluate any future considerations for change. The committee felt it appropriate to stop short of a nationwide rule change and instead allow for the continued analysis of both game and violation statistics as well as continue to measure preferences in all states through surveys and questionnaire data. These decisions will need to be addressed within each of the states as they determine whether or not to pursue this path, and are, for now, best guided by each state's analysis of the wants, needs and desires of its membership.

The committee is therefore issuing guidance supplemental to the rules that list several areas for consideration by each state. These include the acquisition of the shot clock units, considerations for operators, protocols for officials including mechanics and duties, and the many other rules considerations that will need to be reviewed regarding full and partial resets, procedures for equipment failure and responsibilities for officials. This information will be placed supplemental to the actual playing rules to assist decision makers in this review.

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.

The playing rules were modified to add a provision that allows for religious head coverings to be permitted without state association approval as long as they are not made of abrasive or hard materials and provided, they securely fit. This change also removes the previous exception that required state association approval prior to this type of head covering being worn.

=====================================

THE 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 (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.

The committee reviewed the various changes that had been both made and requested at a variety of levels of basketball and determined that all player and team control fouls should utilize Signal 36 (the hand behind the head) rather than the previous mechanics that utilized Signal 37 (the extended fist) for a team control foul. The proper sequence for either of these calls will now be Signal 4 to indicate a foul, the use of the same arm to give Signal 36 to indicate a player or team control foul, followed by Signal 6 indicating the direction in which the ball will be put in play and then Signal 7 to indicate the throw-in spot.

 

[Alum-Ni]

2021-2022 Points of Emphasis

OFFICIATING MECHANICS AND SIGNALS
The NFHS Rules Committee expects officials to adhere to the approved mechanics and signals. By using only approved mechanics and signals it adds to the professional image of the officials and shows greater respect for the game. Officials at the High School level are part of an education-based activity and the use of proper mechanics and the avoidance of "personal style" is essential.

The reason for having signals is to communicate to players, coaches, table personnel, fans, and other officials on the floor. The use of approved signals leads to more clear communication between all those involved. To that end, for each ruling the proper sequence of signals is:

• Stop the clock using the proper signal for a violation or foul
• Signal held ball or the type of foul or violation
• Verbally state the jersey color of the team entitled to the ball for the ensuing throw-in and point in the direction of that team's basket
• Indicate the throw-in location

Note: Due to the change in the approved signal used for player/team control foul, the "punch signal" has been eliminated.

================================

TIME-OUT ADMINISTRATION
During a "dead" ball, EITHER team may be granted a time out. During a live ball, only the team in control of the ball may be granted a timeout. It is important officials verify there is PLAYER control prior to granting the request.

• Head Coach Requesting: Coaches must understand that just because they have requested a timeout does not guarantee it will be granted. Remember, only the head coach or a player of the team in control of the ball may legally request a timeout. Officials must be sure the head coach is making the request. This request may be oral or visual.
  
  
• Player Control: The committee is still concerned that officials are granting timeouts while the ball is loose and not in player control. Over the years, an officiating philosophy has developed that teaches officials to grant loose ball timeouts quickly to avoid rough play and stop additional players from diving onto the loose ball pile. While preventing rough play is desirable, that concept cannot supersede the basic rule that a player must be in control of the ball for a timeout to be legally granted. When in doubt, do not grant the timeout. Additionally, do not hesitate to charge fouls for players "jumping on" another player. "Going for the ball" does not justify this rough play.
  
  
• Granting Timeout Requests: Ideally, granting the timeout should be the primary coverage official. However, other official(s) may become aware that a timeout is being requested. In all cases, officials must be certain there is player control prior to granting the timeout request. Officials should also be aware of situations where timeouts are more likely to be requested, e.g. end of the period/game or a team has made several baskets in a row.

 

[Alum-Ni]

2021-2022 Points of Emphasis - Continued

UNSPORTING CONDUCT
The committee is concerned about inappropriate conduct by players, bench personnel, coaches, officials and spectators. Each group needs to view the activity in light of it being educationally based and not accept conduct that would be tolerated in other educational settings. Therefore, each group has the responsibility to demonstrate civility and citizenship.

To this effect:

• Game management needs to pay particular attention to spectators. Game management should intervene when spectator behavior becomes unacceptable. This should be done prior to an official having to make such a request.
  
  
• When game management fails to address spectator behavior on their own, officials should remind game management to hold spectators accountable for their actions. A game ticket is not a license to abuse.
  
  
• Officials should not tolerate inappropriate conduct from coaches and/or players. The rules allow for a "warning" to be given to coaches and it should be utilized when appropriate.
  
  
• The team huddle is not a safe haven for coaches' bad language. Just as a classroom teacher should not verbally abuse students, neither should coaches use bad language when addressing their players.
  
  
• Players are not permitted to "let off steam" by using profanity, even if it is not directed at an opponent or official. Being angry at oneself is not an excuse.
  
  
• Officials are not exempt from unsporting conduct. Inappropriate references to players, coaches or other officials is not acceptable. Inappropriate behavior before, during or after the game should be reported to the official's association/assignor.

================================

SCREENING
Screening is a legal action to delay a player while touching the floor, without causing contact to prevent an opponent from reaching a desired position.

Legal screening is when the player who is screening an opponent:

• Is stationary (within the vertical plane) when contact occurs.
  
  
• Has both feet on the floor when contact occurs.
  
  
• Time and distance are relevant.
  
  
• The screener shall be stationary, except when both the screener and opponent are moving in the same path and the same direction.

Illegal screening is when the player who is screening an opponent:

• Is moving when contact occurred.
  
  
• Does not give sufficient distance in setting a screen outside the field of vision of a stationary opponent when contact occurred.
  
  
• Does not respect the elements of time and distance of an opponent in motion when contact occurred.
  
  
• A player may not use arms, hands, hips or shoulders to force movement through a screen or hold the screener and then push the screener aside in order to maintain legal guarding position

If the screen is set within the field of vision of a stationary opponent (front or lateral), the screener may establish the screen as close to the opponent as desired, provided there is no contact.

If the screen is set outside the field of vision of a stationary opponent, the screener must permit the opponent to take one (1) normal step towards the screen without making contact.

If the opponent is in motion, the elements of time and distance shall apply. The screener must leave enough space so that the player being screened is able to avoid the screen by stopping or changing direction.

The distance required is never less than one (1) and never more than two (2) normal steps.

A player who is legally screened is responsible for any contact with the player who has set the screen.

================================

EURO-STEPS, SPIN MOVES, and JUMP STOPS -- LEGAL OR ILLEGAL?
If executed within the parameters of the 4.44 traveling rule, each of these plays is legal. If not executed within the rules, each of these plays is illegal. High school players often attempt to emulate players they watch at higher levels but because collegiate and professional rules, interpretations, and directives vary, what is legal at one level may not be legal at another.

What is referred to as a "Euro Step" most often occurs when a player who is dribbling toward the basket stops dribbling, catches the ball while both feet are off the floor, lands on one foot and steps laterally with the other foot, often to step around a defender, all while facing the basket. The first foot to land on the floor is the pivot foot and if the player releases the ball on a try for goal or pass before the pivot foot touches the floor again, it is legal. If the player’s pivot foot touches the floor a second time before the player releases the ball, it is illegal.

What is often referred to as a "Spin Move" most often occurs when a player who dribbles toward the basket, catches the ball while faking to one side of the basket, plants a foot (becomes the pivot foot), while facing the basket, turns his or her back to the basket in an attempt to “spin” around a defender, then steps with the other foot. This would be legal but most often when the player’s back is to the basket during the spin, to again face the basket and get into position to release the ball on a try, the player must step again. This means the player’s pivot foot returns to the floor a second time, thus causing a traveling violation. Example: A1 is dribbling toward the basket from the left side. Defender B1 is facing A1 when A1 catches the ball and steps with the left foot while faking to the left, then spins (back to the basket), steps with the right foot while spinning and then steps with the left foot again. When beginning the spin move, A1’s left foot became the pivot foot and after the spin, when the left foot again touches the floor, A1 has violated. This type of play could originate from in front of the basket or from either side. Due to the speed of the player attempting a spin move and the physical difficulty of facing the basket when one foot touches the floor, then attempting to spin around a defender and release the ball before the pivot foot again touches the floor, the vast majority of spin move attempts are illegal.

What is often referred to as a "Jump Stop" is, by rule, an exception to the traveling rules. A legal jump stop occurs when a player who catches the ball with both feet off the floor, lands on one foot, jumps off that foot and lands with both feet touching the floor simultaneously. Many players are taught well and successfully execute legal jump stops. There are two situations that most often cause attempts at legal jump stops to become illegal. The first: After the player jumps off one foot, the player lands on one foot followed by the other (illegal “stutter step”), instead of landing simultaneously on both feet (legal). The second: After the player completes a legal jump stop, the player pivots. A legal jump stop is already an exception to the travel rule and a player who pivots with either foot after a jump stop is completed gains a huge advantage and has committed a traveling violation.

Landing on both feet, under NFHS rules the player violates when his or her pivot foot touches the floor the second time.

We encourage players, coaches, and officials to study and learn the rules governing these exciting basketball plays as they relate to NFHS rules.

================================

TRAVELING - BASIC FUNDAMENTALS
When beginning a dribble, a player must release the ball before lifting his or her pivot foot. A player who lifts the pivot foot before releasing the ball to begin a dribble has committed a traveling violation.

It is always legal for a player to lift the pivot foot but the player must pass, shoot or be granted a time-out before the pivot foot touches the floor again.

It is not possible for a player to travel while dribbling the ball, bouncing the ball while out-of-bounds during a throw-in or prior to attempting free throw(s).

For officials, identifying a player's pivot foot is, by far, the most important aspect of accurately ruling potential traveling violations. Videos, traveling presentations and practice are effective tools available to officials who want to improve their accuracy of ruling potential traveling plays.

Traveling rules are relatively easy to learn and understand but because of the sheer number of potential traveling violations that occur in every game and the speed at which many of these plays occur, making a high percentage of accurate rulings is difficult. In some instances, officials appear to rule on these plays based on what it "looks like," rather than what rules allow. To improve the teaching, execution and accurate rulings of potential traveling situations, players, coaches, and officials should review relevant rule descriptions and take advantage of available information......and practice!

 

[Alum-Ni]

2021-2022 RULES INTERPRETATIONS

CORRECTIONS

Rules Book: Page 72, SHOT CLOCK - STATE ASSOCIATION ADOPTION: THE SHOT CLOCK OPERATOR SHALL: 6b(vii); After a held ball occurs during after an unsuccessful try...

CASE BOOK: Page 4, Rule 1, GAME BALL 1.12.3 SITUATION: RULING: Yes, the home team shall......

===============================================

SITUATION 1: Team A members are wearing white jerseys which have (a) a manufacturer's logo in the apex of the neckline; (b) a paw print in the apex of the neckline. RULING: (a) Illegal -- technical foul charged directly to the head coach; (b) Legal.

Comment: Manufacturer's logos are allowed to be placed no more than five inches below the shoulder seam on the front of the jersey. The apex of the neckline is reserved for a school or conference logo/mascot. (3-4-sa, d; 10-6-4).

===============================================

SITUATION 2: A player from Team A i wearing a religious head covering (a) secured around the head/face with no added fasteners or abrasive materials; (b) secured with bobby pins; (c) tied together in a knot behind the head. RULING: (a) Legal; (b) and (c) Illegal.

Comment: Players may wear head coverings for religious reasons that fit securely and are free from abrasive materials. There is no longer a need for state association approval. Bobby pins, barrettes and extensions that tie in a knot are not permitted. (3-5-4d, e).

===============================================

SITUATION 3: A1 sets a stationary screen within the lateral field of vision of a stationary opponent (B1) without leaving space for B1 to avoid the screen. RULING: Legal Screen.

Comment: If the screener is set within the field of vision of the stationary opponent, the screener may establish a screen as close to the opponent as desired. (4-40-3).

===============================================

SITUATION 4: A1 sets a stationary screen on a stationary B1 from behind. B1 takes one step backwards before making contact with the screener. RULING: Legal Screen.

Comment: If the screener is set outside the field of vision of a stationary opponent, the screener must allow the opponent one normal step backward before contact is made. (4-40-4).

===============================================

SITUATION 5: A1 attempts to set a screen on B1 who is moving laterally. A1 establishes a stationary screening position which does not allow B1 to avoid contact by stopping or changing direction and contact is made. RULING: Illegal Screen.

Comment: When screening a moving opponent, the screener shall allow the opponent both time and distance to avoid contact by stopping or changing direction. The speed of the player to be screened will determine where the screener may take position, which will vary between one to two normal steps or strides from the opponent. (4-40-5).

===============================================

SITUATION 6: Player A1 is moving in the same path and direction as B1 who is attempting to set a screen on A1. A1 stops to legally guard B2. B1 overruns A1 and makes contact before establishing position for the screen. RULING: Illegal Screen

Comment: When screening an opponent who is moving the same path and direction as the screener, the player behind is responsible if contact is made because the player in front slows up or stops and the player behind overruns his/her opponent (4-40-6).

===============================================

SITUATION 7: A1 sets a legal screen outside of the visual field of B1. B1 attempts to avoid contact by stopping - due to B1's speed, contact is made with the screener. B1 continues by moving around the screen after contact. RULING: Incidental contact.

Comment: In cases of screens outside the visual field, the opponent may make inadvertent contact with the screener and if the opponent is running rapidly, the contact may be severe. Such a case is to be ruled as incidental contact provided the opponent stops or attempts to stop on contact and moves around the screen. (4-40-7).

===============================================

SITUATION 8: A1 sets a legal screen on B1. B1 grabs A1 by the arm in order to pull through the screen and maintain defensive positioning on the other side of the screen. RULING: Illegal use of hands.

Comment: A player may not use the arms, hands, hips or shoulders to force through a screen or to hold the screener and then push the screener aside in order to maintain a guarding position on an opponent (4-40-8).