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Behind the Stripes: What the basketball rules changes will mean to the game and officials

11/18/2014, 9:00am CST
By B.J. Ligocki, Special Contribution to WSN

"Behind the Stripes" is written by veteran WIAA official B.J. Ligocki, an active message board poster who has helped many people on the forum with rules questions and clarifications over the years. The purpose of this feature is to help educate readers on any rules changes, clarify procedures and rules, provide case studies and examples, and answer any questions people may have on officiating or rules.

Feel free to email any rules or officiating questions you have at wissports.ask.a.ref@gmail.com for inclusion in future articles.

B.J. Ligocki:  Football (Master Level – 8 yrs – State Championship); Basketball (Level 5 – 16 years – Regional); Baseball/Softball (Level 5 – 16 years - Regional)


The NFHS has released 4 new rule changes to the basketball rules that will go into effect for the 2014-15 season.  Two significant changes were made and two that the average fan won’t have to deal with.  

First, players in marked lane spaces will be able to enter the lane when the shot is released on free throws, which is a change from when the ball hits the rim/backboard.  The shooter and players outside the arc will still have to wait until contact with the rim.  

The official reason for this change is that it was difficult for officials to observe both the players entering the lane and the ball hitting the rim at the same time, and previously perimeter officials had difficulty getting to an optimum position to observe the action.  In my opinion, this is a negligible change.  Officials still have to watch two things, the release and entry to the lane and then contact with the rim and the shooter entering the lane, so not much difference there.  Also the calls that will be affected by the official getting into better position from the time of release to rebounding action are not common.  This will also lead to increased contact as players maneuver for position in the lane while the ball is in the air.

The other major change that may have a bigger impact on games is the clarification of what should be a foul on ball handlers.  This change is in line with what the NCAA did last year.  Previously, the rule stated that contact that gives an advantage to the defender is a foul.  This was usually interpreted as contact that affects the player’s rhythm, speed, balance and direction.  The new rule lists four types of contact that will be automatic fouls:

1) Placing two hands on the player
2) Placing an extended arm bar on the player 
3) Placing and keeping a hand on the player
4) Contacting the player more than once with the same hand or alternating hands.

Whether or not you favor the changes because you are more offensive or defensive minded, they will lead to increased consistency in how games are called.  Depending on the official, it may take a few games or seasons to adjust to these changes depending on mindset, training and adaptability.  Overall coaches, players, and fans can expect more consistency in the long run, with an increase in fouls and scoring as players adjust.

The third change is to the definition to intentional fouls to include “excessive contact with an opponent while the ball is live or until an airborne shooter returns to the floor.”  The reason given for this change was to “address the issue of contact with the elbow and should reduce the subjectivity in making rulings on intentional fouls.”  Personally and in discussions with other officials I am unable to say how this affects the definition of intentional fouls or any change in how they will be called.

Finally in an effort to make being the fashion police easier, Rule 3-5-3, which addresses sleeves on the arms and legs was updated.  It now includes anything worn on the arm or leg except a knee brace.  Now anything worn on the arm or leg must adhere to the color and logo restrictions of arm and leg sleeves.

Tag(s): News Archive  BBB News  GBB News  Behind the Stripes