Basketball rules changes announced by the NFHS

Staff report

INDIANAPOLIS

The National Federation of State High School Associations has made a major rules change for the 2011-12 basketball season.

The OHSAA belongs to the NFHS and will adopt the rules change for next season.

During a throw-in (but before the pass is made) any foul called against the offensive team will be treated as if the ball was in play and will not result in free throws for the other team.

The rule refers to team control. Previously, team control did not exist until the ball was secured in-bounds. Thus, a foul called against the offensive team, like an illegal screen, resulted in a loss of possession and free throws for the other team. The NFHS rules committee felt that was too stiff of a penalty.

Now the penalty will be loss of possession only and no free throws, similar to a player control foul (charging) or illegal screen.

The NFHS also approved editorial changes to a few existing rules. For one, a defender will be charged with an intentional foul if he or she makes contact with an opponent who is out of bounds and attempting a throw-in.