OFFICIALS: We wanted to send this important message from Sandy through the website for your ongoing reference. 

There have been a few rule clarifications that have been handed down from the NFHS regarding rule interpretations since our interpretation meetings. Please review. Included is the NYSPHSAA concussion protocol guidelines. Also, you’ll notice on the iaabo.org website in the members area there are weekly updates from the NFHS regarding rule interpretations and clarifications in addition to what we are sharing. In addition, there are rulebook and rules guide corrections and changes. Check them out!

  1. Goaltending is by a defensive player contacting the ball on a try after the ball has touched the glass and any part of the ball is above the rim; a goaltending violation has been committed.

  2. Regarding the new Basket Interference provision: the key point is that the actual slap or striking of the backboard does not need to occur at the same moment the ball is on the backboard, on or in the basket, or within the cylinder for the rule to apply.

    The rule applies if the result of that action — the vibration of the backboard or basket — is still present while the ball is in one of those positions. In other words, if the defender legally attempts to block a try, misses the ball, strikes the backboard, and the resulting vibration continues into the moment when the ball is on the backboard, on or in the basket, or in the cylinder, then basket interference has occurred and needs to be ruled.

  3. Undergarments — for away uniforms the only color allowed for an undershirt is black or the predominant color of the torso of the jersey. Only white undershirts can be worn with mandatory white home jerseys.

  4. Throw-In Spot — Violations, fouls, stoppages of play other than ball out of bounds, while a player is straddling or standing on the 3-point arc, the ball is put back in play at one of the two designated throw-in spots at the nearest end line.

  5. The 5-second count is maintained for a closely guarded player in the frontcourt while holding or dribbling the ball. NYS modification.

  6. Please use RefQuest, as they send out plays for review three times a week with terrific summaries and information on proper adjudication. A great tool for enhancing your game. I am seeing more and more of our members using it.

  7. Review the rule changes and POE as you prepare for the season, especially that first night.

  8. Concussion Protocol — NYSPHSAA Guidance to all Sport Officials since 2012:
    Sports official (us): Remove the athlete from the contest. The official is NOT responsible for the sideline evaluation or the management of the athlete once they have been removed from the game. The official does not have to receive any paperwork clearing the player to return to the game. If a student returns to the game after being evaluated, they can be removed by the official if they feel the student should be reevaluated.

  9. School official: The athlete needs to be assessed by an appropriate health care professional. School health personnel are considered appropriate health care professionals. School health personnel include the Chief School Medical Officer, school nurse, physician, certified athletic trainer, or an EMT that is a member of the on-site EMS squad. If the appropriate health care professional suspects a concussion, as per the NYS Concussion Management Law (2012), the student athlete MAY NOT return to the contest. The athlete MAY NOT return if an appropriate health care professional is not available. All schools are obligated to follow the NYS Concussion Management Law if a student has a suspected head injury.

A student athlete that has been diagnosed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner with a concussion MUST be cleared by the Chief School Medical Officer.

Any questions, please feel free to contact me,

F. Sandy Swingle, Rules Interpreter
IAABO Board 60, Rochester, NY
Section V Co-Coordinator of Officials
585-737-8217