1. Double fouls – POI, freeze the game, penalize both players, both fouls count toward team fouls, ball back to the offense at the nearest of the 4 designated spots to where the BALL was. Unless it is during a try, and if the ball goes in, the play is resumed with an end-line throw-in, the player can run the end-line. If the try misses, use the alternating possession arrow.
  2. The signal for a 3-point try is 3 fingers in the “OK” position arm extended at the top of head level. No open palm.
  3. Lead official’s position on a free throw is OFF the court 3’ back and 3’ behind the last well space so you can view your responsibilities more clearly. Do not stand in the last well space.
  4. There is no whistle to be sounded on inbounds plays unless it is for the start of a period, after a time out or any UNUSUAL delay, such as injury, displaced eye glasses or eye contacts.
  5. Defensive fouls in the backcourt go to the nearest point, not one of the 4 designated spots.
  6. Make sure of the pivot foot especially on poorly executed jump stops as players jump off one foot then land 1 foot then the other.  That is a traveling violation.
  7. Trail needs to be alert to high pick and roll illegal screens, especially by the player setting screens.
  8. Overtime is 4 minutes.
  9. Be a good communicator with players and coaches as the most common concerns from coaches are standoff-ish, rude, wouldn’t answer questions, unapproachable, defensive officials.
  10. Other most popular comments include: lack of consistency in calls at both ends of the court – catalog plays, similar plays get similar rulings, allowed too much contact and game got out of control, screens and illegal screens not called
  11. Make sure teams are breaking time-out huddles at the warning horn. Teams are taking too long to resume play. Be proactive…put the ball down on the floor if you have to, if the offense is not there or hand it to the offense for a throw-in if the defense is not ready.
  12. Intentional fouls – make sure there is an attempt to play the ball before ruling.
  13. Please join Refquest if you haven’t done so already. Rhere are many plays to see and review as they are sent out 3 times a week. Link to join is on the iaabo.org members area page.
  14. Updated rule clarifications from NFHS is also located here under officiating support->2024/25 Rule Interpretations(11/1924). Please review any new rule clarifications, which are added as they occur.

Review of Fighting Procedures and Penalties

•     Players on court: Corresponding number from each team – double flagrant fouls, all are disqualified, NO free throws, ball back in play at POI.

•     Players on court: Unequal numbers – flagrant fouls, all are disqualified, 2 free throws are awarded to the offended team for each additional player, ball back in play at the division line

•    Bench Personnel leaving the bench during a fight or when a fight may break out:

•   Do Not Participate – Non-participants are assessed flagrant fouls and disqualified, head coach is assessed a maximum of 1 indirect technical foul regardless of numbers. If the number of players leaving the benches are EQUAL, there are NO free throws, resume play at POI. If the number of players is UNEQUAL, a maximum of 2 free throws are awarded to the offended team.  Play is resumed with a division line throw-in.

•   Bench Personnel Participate: All participants are assessed flagrant fouls and disqualified and the head coach is assessed one indirect technical foul for EACH person leaving the bench and participating. Equal numbers leaving both benches no free throws awarded, resume play at POI. Unequal numbers, 2 free throws are awarded for each additional player leaving the bench. Play is resumed with a division line throw-in.

•   NOTE:  All fouls (except the indirect technical fouls to the head coach) count towards a team’s total foul count.

•   Casebook Play 4.18.2 and Rules Guide Play 11-14-1: In summary, committing an unsportsmanlike act, like taunting, that causes an opponent to fight or throw a punch, both players are ejected for fighting and directed to their respective benches. It is ruled a double flagrant technical foul, penalize both, no shots, resume play at the POI.

PLEASE NOTE:  IAABO Rules Guide Chapter 11-14-1 through 11-14-8 including Table 11-2 (page 114) has multiple play situations to review.  Check it out as you never know when you will need it.