A shot clock was one big rule that was highlighted on the NFHS docket for rule changes on the hardwood on Monday.
As the use of a shot clock continues to be the main hot topic of the sport, the NFHS did not approve the use of the shot clock and to allow a shot clock by the state adoption.
“Information was given to the Basketball Rules Committee that shared the votes in individual states on how coaches and officials voted in support of or non-support of the shot clock rule,” said Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee. “The conversation among the committee members explored the pros and cons of enacting the proposal as a rule for all states and likewise for state adoption. The committee will continue to explore the shot clock issue.”
Three additional rules were approved and updated by the committee.
Rule 5-4-1 now states that a game is declared a forfeit if a coach is removed from the contest and if no authorized school personnell are present to assume responsibility.
“Most states have bylaws to cover the instance when no adult school staff is on the bench to attend to the team. Officials are not likely to read those bylaws and consequently not know that rule,” Wynns said. “Having the basketball rules cover such a situation helps the contest officials and coaches alike if such a situation were to arise.”
Rule 10-6-1 was also updated to clarify that an official is not required to provide a warning to a coach prior to giving a technical foul.
“This amends an existing rule that gave the impression that a warning was a prerequisite to ruling a technical foul,” Wynns. “Using the word ‘may’ helps one to understand that a warning is only an option.”
A timer has now additional responsibilities when a player is disqualified or injured.
A warning signal is sounded at 15-seconds to replace a player that has fouled out or injured. A second warning signal will sound when the 15 seconds expires.
