:format(webp)){kind=logo}
Basketball Rules Interpretations - 2026-27
Publisher’s Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.
Davis Whitfield, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2026
2026-27 NFHS Basketball Rules Book Correction: (Underlining shows additions; strikethrough shows deletions.)
Page: 53, Rule 6-4-3
ART. 3 . . . Alternating-possession throw-ins shall be from: a. Oone of the four designated spots based on the ball’s location relative to the threepoint line if team control is retained or gained in the team’s frontcourt or backcourt. (Diagram 5) b. The out-of-bounds spot nearest to where the ball was located if team control is retained or gained in the team’s backcourt.
Page 59, Rule 8-5-3
ART. 3 . . . By any player of the free-thrower’s team after an intentional personal foul or flagrant personal foul from: a. Oone of the four designated spots based on the location of the foul, if the team retains control in its frontcourt or backcourt, unless it is a double foul then it is based on the location of the ball when the foul occurred (Diagram 5) or b. The out-of-bounds spot nearest the foul, if the team retains control in its backcourt unless it is a double foul then it is based on the location of the ball when the foul occurred.
SITUATION 1 (Wearing the jersey as the manufacturer intended): During pregame warm-ups, Team A players are wearing jerseys that were designed by the manufacturer to be worn with the bottom hem extending below the waistband of the uniform shorts. A1 enters the game with the front of the jersey tucked into the waistband of the shorts while the back of the jersey remains untucked. A2 enters the game with the bottom of the jersey rolled or folded underneath to shorten the length of the jersey. The coach states that the players prefer to wear the jerseys this way. RULING: A1 and A2 may not participate until their jerseys are worn as designed by the manufacturer. COMMENT: Equipment and apparel shall not be modified from the original manufactured state and shall be worn in the manner the manufacturer intended it to be worn. A jersey that is designed to be worn untucked must remain untucked. Likewise, a jersey designed to be worn with the entire bottom hem outside the uniform shorts may not be partially tucked, rolled or folded underneath to alter its intended appearance or fit. Head coaches are responsible for ensuring players are properly and legally equipped before they enter the game. If a player is discovered wearing the uniform improperly, the player shall be directed to leave (or not allowed to enter) the game until the uniform is worn properly. (3-3-4, 3-3-5, 3-5-5)
SITUATION 2 (Sitting up after gaining control on the floor): A1 dives for a loose ball and gains control while sliding. A1 comes to a stop lying on their back while holding the ball. After coming to a complete stop, A1 sits up to a seated position while continuing to hold the ball. A1 does not attempt to get to the feet. Is this a traveling violation? RULING: No. The action is legal. COMMENT: A player who gains control of the ball while on the floor and is no longer sliding/rolling due to momentum may pass, shoot, start a dribble or request a timeout. If the player is flat on the back, the player may sit up without violating the traveling rule. Sitting up does not constitute an attempt to stand up. However, an attempt to rise to the feet while holding the ball is traveling. Officials should distinguish between a player simply sitting up and a player attempting to get to a standing position. (4-44-5b, c)
SITUATION 3 (Player on one knee attempts to stand): A1 gains control of the ball while in a position with one knee touching the floor. A1 maintains control of the ball and attempts to rise to a standing position without first releasing the ball to start a dribble. A1’s knee leaves the floor as A1 rises. RULING: Traveling. A1 may not attempt to stand while maintaining control of the ball. COMMENT: When a player gains control of the ball while one or both knees are touching the floor, the player may pass, try for goal, call a timeout or start a dribble. If A1 begins a dribble before rising, A1 may legally stand and continue the dribble. However, if A1 attempts to rise (by lifting a knee off the floor) while maintaining control of the ball, the action is traveling. (4-44-5b)
SITUATION 4 (Legal Jersey): During pregame, the official observes that Team A is wearing jerseys with a solid-color torso, contrasting front and back numbers that meet the NFHS size and color requirements, and a side insert that extends along the sides of the jersey. The side insert includes multiple colors and decorative striping. The coach asks whether the jerseys are legal. The jerseys are manufactured and worn in accordance with all applicable NFHS uniform requirements. RULING: The jerseys are legal. COMMENT: A jersey is legal when it conforms to the applicable NFHS uniform requirements, including the requirements for jersey color, numbers, number size, number contrast and permitted design elements. Decorative elements and side inserts are permitted when they comply with the applicable restrictions. The jersey must also be worn in the manner intended by the manufacturer. Jerseys designed to be tucked in must remain properly tucked, front and back. Players wearing a uniform that does not comply with the rules shall be directed to leave (or not allowed to enter) the game until the uniform is worn properly. (3-3-4, 3-3-5, 3-4, 3-5)