NFHS Approves New Rule On Free-Throw Lane Violations

By Travis Thayer (Indianapolis, Ind.) – New rules will impact high school basketball players and on-lookers throughout the state of Indiana. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) recently approved a rule regarding free-throw lane violations. The rules states that players occupying the marked free-throw lane line spaces cannot enter the free-throw semicircle until the ball touches the rim or the free throw ends. The new rule is an effort to make the rule easier to understand and to create a safer environment for the free-throw shooter. The rules committee also reduced the time to replace a disqualified or injured player from 20 to 15 seconds in order to reduce gamesmanship. Extra apparel that players wear will be required to have one logo. Last year, the committee simplified the color requirements to be consistent on all sleeves, tights, wristbands and headbands. In addition, the Basketball Rules Committee added a rule regarding non-playing personnel. The new rule states that non-playing personnel, such as cheerleaders or photographers, shall remain outside of the playing area during 30-second timeouts during the game. Non-playing personnel must also stand outside the free-throw line extended toward the sidelines throughout the game. A complete list of basketball rules changes can be found at www.nfhs.org.