There will be new guidelines for free throws as the NFHS amended recent rule changes on Monday morning as part of its annual meeting in Indianapolis, IN.
The one-and-one situation is eliminated as two free throws are awarded to a team in a “bonus” situation.
“The rules committee studied data that showed higher injury rates on rebounding situations and saw this as an opportunity to reduce opportunities for rough play during rebounds,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS Director of Sports and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee. “Additionally, resetting the fouls each quarter will improve game flow and allow teams to adjust their play by not carrying foul totals to quarters two and four.”
The foul situation will change as teams will reach a bonus after the opposition commits five fours and will reset after each quarter. The previous rule was when an opposing team committed seven fouls and 10 for a “double bonus” situation.
In addition, the throw-in procedure has also changed in regards to a frontcourt foul by an offensive team before the bonus, and the throw-in spot will be where the foul was committed in four areas, the 28-foot mark along each sideline or the nearest spot three feet outside the lane line on each end line.
The only exception is when the defensive team causes the ball to be out of bounds, where the standard throw-in procedure should occur.
Other rules that were approved were:
- A designated spot for a shot clock operator for states currently using a shot clock.
- Players may wear multiple styles of uniforms, but they must be liked-colored.
- Undershirts are allowed by teams and should be a single solid color or black for visiting teams.
The last change amended allows a player to step out of bounds and return to the court if the player gains no advantage. After returning inside the court of play, a player is usually penalized and is the first to touch the ball or avoid a violation.
The UIL has not adopted these new rules but is known to follow NFHS guidelines for boys and girls basketball.
