2017-18 NFHS Basketball Rules Book
Unannounced Changes

Originally posted by Freddy Krieger in basketballrefereegroup on July 18 at 1:01pm

A word-for-word comparison with last year’s rules book revealed that all changes and additions announced prior by the NFHS seem to have been accounted for in the new rules book and are designated by shading in the text.
The following unannounced changes have been noted:
1-20:
Was: Non-playing personnel shall stand outside the free-throw lane lines extended toward the sidelines throughout the game.
Is Now: Non-playing personnel shall be located outside the free-throw lane lines extended toward the sidelines throughout the game.
2-12-5:
Was: The timer shall . . . sound a warning signal to begin the expiration of the 15 seconds (maximum) permitted for replacing a disqualified or injured player, or for a player directed to leave the game.
Is Now: The timer shall . . . sound a warning signal to announce 15 seconds (maximum) permitted for relacing a disqualified or injured player, or for a player directed to leave the game.
Addition to 3-4-5: (re. Uniform pants/skirts…)
Showing multiple manufacturer’s logos on the waist band of the pants/skirts makes the item illegal.
Addition to 3-5-6: (re. Undershirts…)
Only one visible logo is permitted.
9-1-3c:
Was: No opponent shall disconcert the free thrower.
Is Now: No opponent shall distract the free thrower.
9-1 PENALTIES 4c:
Was: If a violation by the free thrower follows disconcertion by an opponent…
Is Now: If a violation by the free thrower follows distraction by an opponent…
10-4-6g: (re. Player Technical)
Was: Use tobacco or smokeless tobacco.
Is Now: Use alcohol, or any form of tobacco product (e-cigarette or similar items) beginning with arrival at the competition site until departure following the completion of the contest.
10-5-1i: (re. Bench Technical)
Was: Grasping either basket except to prevent injury; dunking or stuffing, or attempting to dunk or stuff a dead ball.
Is Now: Grasping either basket except to prevent injury; dunking or attempting to dunk or stuff a dead ball.
10-5-3: (re. Bench Technical)
Was: Use e-cigarettes, tobacco or smokeless tobacco.
Is Now: Use alcohol, or any form of tobacco product (e-cigarette or similar items) beginning with arrival at the competition site until departure following the completion of the contest.
Added on p.3:
FACILITIES: Because facilities used for high school athletics come in many shapes, sizes and conditions, on-site event management may on occasion conclude that compliance with NFHS directives about event configuration is not feasible. Under all circumstances, on-site event management should utilize set-ups that minimize risk under the conditions with which they deal. If a given facility cannot be made reasonably hazard-free, the event should be relocated. plum and burgundy garments for bridesmaid
Added on p.5, under the Basketball Court Diagram:
NOTE: Except as specifically sated in the rules, information on field diagrams in this book is suggestive only; it is not required by NFHS rules. The construction and layout of all courts and fields used for high school competition are subject to any controlling laws and building codes, and to the sound judgment of the persons in charge of the facilities.
Removed:
Chart of “MAJOR BASKETBALL RULES DIFFERENCES” (bet. NFHS and NCAA)
2016-17 Unannounced Changes Retained in the New 2017-18 Rules Book:
4-42-5a:
Was: The throw-in ends when: a. The passed ball touches or is legally touched by another player inbounds.
Is Now: The throw-in ends when: a. The passed ball touches or is touched by another player inbounds.
Note: The provisions regarding when the AP arrow does and does not switch as stated in Rule 6-4-5 seem to make either the inclusion or omission of the word “legally” in 4-42-5a moot point.