This following is a summary of the call provided by Sandy Swingle. The summary can also be found under Interpreter’s Notes section of the Members Home page.

1. Jump Ball Restrictions

Clarification Jump ball restrictions begin when the administering official steps into the circle to make the toss.

Restrictions End When – The ball touches a non-jumper – The ball touches the floor – The ball touches an official

Key Notes – A tap does not end restrictions by itself. – An official is considered part of the floor.

Interpreter Emphasis Stress patience before entering the circle. Officiating movement too early is a common source of incorrect violations.

2. Jump Ball – Leaving the Circle/Rare Plays

Clarification A jumper may legally recover the ball after restrictions have ended—even if the play looks unusual.

Guiding Principle If the ball has touched the floor, a non-jumper, or an official, jump ball restrictions have ended.

Interpreter Emphasis Teach officials to rule based on restriction status, not aesthetics. Rare plays require rules-based judgment, not instinct.

3. Jump Ball Violations – Throw-In Location

Clarification Following a jump ball violation, the throw-in is administered at the nearest 28-foot mark on the side of the violation.

Interpreter Emphasis This applies regardless of frontcourt or backcourt status. 2

4. Division Line Throw-Ins – Violation Administration

Clarification When a violation occurs on a division-line throw-in (start of quarter or technical foul), the ensuing throw-in remains at the division line.

Interpreter Emphasis This interpretation has been confirmed through NFHS discussion, even if not easily found in archived publications.

5. Timing Errors – End of Game Situations

Clock Does Not Start/Stops Improperly

Clarification There are no “do-overs” for timing errors when officials have definite knowledge of elapsed time.

Guiding Philosophy Officials must rely on awareness, backcourt counts, and mechanics—not replay.

Interpreter Emphasis Late-game preparation (clock awareness, partner communication) prevents unfixable situations.

6. Delay of Game Under Five Seconds

Clarification If a team intentionally delays a throw-in under five seconds to stop the clock, officials are directed to ignore the violation and allow time to expire.

Additional Guidance If officials incorrectly stop play, a technical foul may be assessed for violating the spirit of the rule.

7. Secondary Coverage Areas (Crew of Two)

Clarification Officials must trust primary coverage areas but intervene when they are: – Late – Right – Needed

Interpreter Emphasis Promote courage without over-officiating. Secondary coverage should save the crew, not undermine it. 3

8. Blood on the Jersey

Clarification – Blood situations receive 20 seconds to be corrected – Applies only to blood, not all injuries

If Not Corrected – Team may use a timeout – Or substitute the player

Interpreter Emphasis Common sense applies to dried or clearly old blood. Safety and practicality must coexist.

9. Jersey Removal – Blood Situations

Clarification Removing a jersey within visual confines is technically unsporting, but education and prevention are preferred.

Interpreter Emphasis Proactively instruct coaches to have players change away from the visual confines to avoid unnecessary technical fouls.

10. Four Players on the Court

Clarification If a team ends up with four players due to substitution error, the absent player may not return until the next legal substitution opportunity.

Interpreter Emphasis Officials should count 5 and 5 before administering play—prevention is key.

11. Non-Playing Personnel (Cheerleaders/Photographers)

Clarification – No non-playing personnel between lane lines – Officials must have adequate space to operate safely

Interpreter Emphasis Encourage interpreters to seek state association backing when site management support is lacking. 

12. End-of-Period Whistles

Clarification Officials should not blow the whistle to reinforce the horn.

Only Whistle If – The ball is still in the shooter’s hand – A violation occurs before release

Interpreter Emphasis Unnecessary whistles create false expectations of fouls.

13. Contact Above the Shoulders

Clarification Contact above the shoulders may be ruled: – Incidental (rare) – Player control – Intentional – Flagrant

Key Distinction Elbow speed relative to body speed determines severity.

Interpreter Emphasis When in doubt, err toward player safety.

References:

IAABO Rules Guide 11:9:F-H, Play Situation 11-9-4, 11-9-5, NFHS Casebook: 4.19.3F, 9.13.1B, 9.13.2

14. Medical Monitoring Devices

Clarification Medical monitoring (e.g., glucose alerts) should be treated as injury situations.

Interpreter Emphasis Player safety overrides procedural rigidity.

15. 30-Second Timeouts

Clarification – Players on the court must stand – Bench personnel may sit or stand 5

16. Advantage on Delayed Return Throw-Ins

Clarification A delayed return followed by first touch is a violation only if advantage is gained.

Interpreter Emphasis Advantage—not technicality—should guide enforcement.

17. Offensive Basket Interference – Slapping Backboard

Clarification If an offensive player slaps or strikes the backboard, causing the basket/backboard to vibrate when the ball is touching the backboard, is on or in the basket or in the cylinder, it is basket interference.

This can occur when a player attempts a lay-up and decides to slap the board during the attempt. If the try is successful, the goal should be cancelled.

Closing Guidance

These clarifications are intended to promote consistency, credibility, and confidence. Interpreters should emphasize philosophy and intent alongside rule language when educating officials.