Official NFHS Sports Rules for Basketball

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has a set of rules that are unique to the game of high school basketball. The NFHS has been in existence since 1920 and serves the high school athletic associations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, the NFHS publishes playing rules for 16 boys and girls sports including basketball.

  1. Jump Ball

    • According to NFHS rules, when a jump ball situation occurs where there must be a re-jump, the two players involved in the re-jump must be the same two players that were involved in the original jump ball. A re-jump can occur when the official accidentally throws the ball too high or too far in one direction. Furthermore, a re-jump can occur if one of the players involved jumps too early. Under NCAA rules, during a re-jump situation, any two players can participate in the re-jump, not just the original two.

    Throw In

    • A throw in in basketball is when a team must enter the ball from out of bounds. This will occur after a made shot or a stoppage in play. When this throw in occurs the opponent is not allowed to cross the boundary plane until the ball has been released by the thrower, according to NFHS rules. Additionally, NFHS rules say that if the opponent does cross the boundary line early a team warning will be assessed followed by a technical foul. Under NCAA rules, the opponent can not cross the boundary plane until the ball crosses it.

    Stop Clock

    • In the NCAA, the clock stops after a made basket in the last minute of the second half or in the last minute of overtime. According to the NFHS, the clock never stops on a made basket.

    Player Out of Bounds

    • Under NFHS rules, a player is considered to be out of bounds as soon as they leave the court for any unauthorized reason. A violation will occur as soon as this happens. In the NCAA, a violation only occurs if the player who was out of bounds returns to the playing court and is the first person to touch the ball upon their return.