rule changes

Guidelines to help game officials manage the game clock at the end of each quarter and other timing errors are among the major rules changes in high school basketball for the 2026-27 season.

The two additions addressing the game clock in Rule 5 (5-9-5 and 5-10-2 Note) were among the five rules changes recommended by the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee at its April 27-29 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were reviewed by the NFHS Rules Review Committee and approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

In the last 59.9 seconds of each quarter and overtime periods, a minimum of three-tenths (0.3) of a second must expire from the game clock when the ball is legally touched by a player inbounds after a throw-in. This addition of Rule 5-9-5 is consistent with the tap-in rule in Rule 5-2-5, however, does not apply if the game clock does not display tenths of a second.

Rule 5-10-2 Note was added to allow officials to utilize a silent count in the event of a clock malfunction. If an official determines the clock was not started or stopped properly, a silent count may be used as definitive knowledge to correct the timing error.

“These changes provide officials with clearer guidance and help provide greater consistency in administering end-of-quarter timing situations, while also ensuring there are practical solutions available when timing errors or clock malfunctions occur,” said Monica Maxwell, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee.

NOTE FROM BILLY MARTIN, NJSIAA STATE BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETER

NJSIAA Basketball Officials,

Please read the following memo regarding slapping of the backboard and basket interference:

This was released by NFHS Rules Committee this morning. I will try to keep you updated on any additional info as it becomes available.

Download Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cu9BKtnnV1NWvPjadvZR5VpKbOqusl8B/view?usp=sharing

If you have any questions, please reach out to your local chapter Rules Interpreter.

Thank you.

Yours in Officiating,
Billy Martin
NJSIAA State Basketball Rules Interpreter

NOTE FROM BILLY MARTIN, NJSIAA STATE BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETER

NJSIAA Basketball Officials,

Please read the following memo regarding an updated interpretation from NFHS and IAABO:

Substitution Confusion (10.4.2B, IAABO Plays 16-10-4, 19-3-8)

The NFHS has approved a change to a long-standing interpretation for when a player who is on the bench should be on the court after a “lengthy” substitution process. 

Previously, when a team had only four players on the court, it was legal for a coach to direct a player (who was mistakenly in the bench area) to directly enter the court without penalty as long as the player did not gain an advantage.

Beginning this season, if a player in this situation enters the court directly, the TEAM will be charged with a TECHNICAL FOUL for failing to have all players return to the court at approximately the same time.

This change is accurately reflected in NFHS Case Book Play 10.4.2B on page 83 as well as in the IAABO Rules Guide Play 19-3-8 on pages 236-237.  This was also accurately reflected in the IAABO Game Simulator too.

Unfortunately, this play was also located in the IAABO Rules Guide at Play 16-10-4, and the ruling on this is incorrect. 
 
**IAABO Rule Guide, Page 214 Play 16-10–4
This play is slated to be deleted in next year’s IAABO Rules Guide.  Please DO NOT use this ruling on p 214 going forward. 

As always, reach out to your local chapter Rules Interpreter if you have any questions on this play or any others.

I hope this helps in your preparation for the year.

Yours in Officiating,
Billy Martin
NJSIAA State Basketball Rules Interpreter

A trio of changes to address when goaltending and basket interference are called are among the changes to high school basketball rules for the 2025-26 season.

These revisions to the NFHS Basketball Rules Book are among the six changes recommended by the Basketball Rules Committee during its April 28-30 meeting in Indianapolis – all of which were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.