Florida Highschool Basketball Rules

High school basketball in Florida involves a large number of rules, regulations and procedures to be in compliance with requirements of successful play. These general rules, regulations and policies are in accordance with the Florida High School Athletics Association.

  1. Coaching

    • Each team's head coach is required to complete the FHSAA online rules presentation. If this step is not completed within the required time frame, a financial penalty of $50 will be charged to that school.

    Elgibility of Student-Athletes

    • Each student participating must meet the state's requirements to participate in interscholastic activities. FHSAA requires a minimum 2.0/4.0 GPA, and each student is given four years of eligibility and may participate until the age of 19 years and 9 months. Some school districts may have more stringent requirements than those required by the FSHAA.

    Preseason Classics and Jamboree

    • The Basketball Classics must be held between Monday and Saturday of Week 20, and jamborees are to take place prior to the beginning of the first regular season game.

    Coaches' Box

    • A coach must remain within the coaches box while the ball is in motion. This is a 14-foot box that allows a coach to gather and substitute his players while the ball is in motion.

    Mercy Rule

    • Any time during the second half when a team is up by 35 points or more, the will continuously run unless a timeout is called or an injury occurs.

    Uniforms

    • All commercial advertising accept for the manufacturer's logo is prohibited.

    Cutting of Nets

    • The cutting of nets for keepsakes is prohibited from FHSAA basketball.

    Unsportsmanlike Conduct

    • A student athlete who commits unsportsmanlike conduct before, during or after a contest will be subject to one of four levels of suspensions. Coaches who commit unsportsmanlike conduct are subject to tree levels of suspension. The school is also subject to penalties due to athlete conduct.

    Critisicm of Referees

    • Public negative criticism or berating of a basketball official is prohibited and, if committed, the school may be subject to financial penalties.