NFHS Case Book

Rule 2 – Officials and Their Duties

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2.2.1 - Video Replay Monitor

SITUATION A:

During a state championship series contest in which the state association has authorized the use of video replay, A4 releases a try as time expires in a tie game; the try is successful. The covering official rules that the attempt was still in A4’s hands when time expired and waves off the basket, forcing overtime.

RULING: Since the try occurred at the end of the game, with zeros on the game clock, a review is permissible. The replay official rules that the shot was released prior to the expiration of time. The game officials count the basket and declare Team A the winner.

 

SITUATION B:

Prior to the game, the home team athletic director informs the officials that the school has purchased a new state-of-the-art scoreboard with video replay capabilities to review end-of-game situations.

RULING: The video replay equipment shall not be used. Video replay is only permitted by authorization of the state association at the conclusion of state association championship series contests. (2-2-1 NOTE)

2.2.4 - Jurisdiction

SITUATION A:

The score is Team A-62 and Team B-61 when the horn sounds to end the fourth quarter. Prior to the referee’s approval of the final score, the coach of Team A directs obscene gestures at the officials.

RULING: A technical foul is charged for unsporting behavior and the result of the free throws will determine which team wins or whether an extra period is required. (5-6-2 EXCEPTION 4, 10-5-1c)

 

SITUATION B:

Time expires to end the game with a score of 64 to 61. Immediately following the signal to end the fourth quarter, the officials are moving off the court toward a door to their dressing room. The referee enters the door and is in the hallway to the locker room, but the umpire is still in the court area when he/she notices the scorer frantically trying to get the officials’ attention due to a possible scorebook error.

RULING: Since one of the officials has not left the visual confines of the playing area, the game jurisdiction has not ended. The officials may work with scorer’s table personnel to rectify any errors.

 

SITUATION C:

Team B leads by a point with seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. A1 releases the ball on a try, but the noise level makes it difficult for the covering official (umpire) to hear the horn. The umpire signals a successful goal. The referee definitely hears the horn before A1 releases the ball, but does not realize the umpire counted the goal. The officials leave the visual confines of the playing area and are not aware of the controversy until the scorer comes to the officials’ dressing room.

RULING: Even though the referee could have canceled the score if the officials had conferred before leaving, once the officials leave the visual confines of the playing area, the final score is official and no change can be made. In situations such as this, it is imperative that officials communicate with each other and that they do not leave until any problem regarding scoring or timing has been resolved.

2.4.3 - Supplementary Equipment

Prior to the game, the home team athletic director informs the officials that the school has purchased a new timing system whereby the game clock is controlled by the game officials via their whistle and a timing pack.

RULING: The device shall not be used unless the state association has approved its use and the game officials have been properly instructed/trained on how to use the equipment. (2-4-3 NOTE)

2.4.4 - Game-Time Notification

Following pregame warm-ups, Team A returns to its dressing room. The referee has each team notified three minutes before the game is scheduled to begin. Despite this notification, Team A delays the start of the game for nearly two minutes by not returning to the court. The referee determines there is no excusable reason for Team A’s tardiness.

RULING: Team A is charged with a technical foul for delaying the start of the game by a minute or more. (10-2-1a)

2.4.5 - Coaches Verification of Proper Uniforms/Equipment

SITUATION A:

Before the contest both coaches verify that their teams are legally equipped. In the third quarter A1 is discovered wearing a ring.

RULING: A1 must leave the game and remove the jewelry and may re-enter the game at the next substitution opportunity, but no penalty is assessed against A1 or the coach.

 

SITUATION B:

To the referee’s pregame inquiry of coaches regarding all team members being legally equipped and wearing the uniform properly, both coaches responded “yes.” Three minutes into the first quarter, U1 observes A5 with a tongue stud.

RULING: When the tongue stud is noticed, A5 must leave the game and may not return until the stud has been removed. There is no technical foul assessed. (3-5-7)

2.6 - Concurrent Jurisdiction

SITUATION A:

The umpire observes traveling, stepping out of bounds or another violation by A1. At approximately the same time, A1 tries for a field goal or the referee observes contact by B1 on A1.

RULING: The officials must decide definitely which act occurred first. There is no rules coverage to administer the acts as occurring simultaneously. If the violation occurred first, the ball became dead. If the ball was in flight during the try before the touching of the boundary, there was no violation. If the contact occurred after a violation was observed, it is not a foul unless the contact is intentional or flagrant.

 

SITUATION B:

A violation and personal contact occur at about the same time. Both are observed by the same official, or the violation is observed by one official and the contact by the other. What is the proper procedure?

RULING: The officials shall decide which occurred first. If the violation was first, it caused the ball to become dead; hence, the contact which followed was not a foul unless intentional or flagrant. If the contact occurred first, it caused the ball to become dead and no violation occurred.

2.7.8 - Signal for Point(s)

During the course of the game, the officials: (a) do not signal successful two-point field goals or free throws; or (b) do signal the value of point(s) resulting from defensive goaltending or basket interference.

RULING: This is proper procedure. Officials are not authorized to signal the point value for two-point goal or free throws. However, it is necessary to signal in cases of doubt or confusion and when point(s) are awarded. Officials shall also continue to signal a successful three-point goal.

2.8.1 - Unsporting Behavior

What guidelines should be exercised by the officials when spectators’ actions are such that they interfere with the administration of the game? 

RULING: The rules book states “the official may rule fouls on either team if its supporters act in such a way as to interfere with the proper conduct of the game.” It is significant to note the word used is “may.” This gives permission, but does not in any way imply that officials must rule technical fouls on team followers or supporters for unsporting acts. Thus, while officials do have the authority to penalize a team whose spectators interfere with the proper conduct of the game, this authority must be used with extreme caution and discretion. While the authority is there, the official must rarely use it, because experience has demonstrated that ruling hasty technical fouls on the crowd rarely solves the problem and may, in fact, result in penalizing the wrong team because the official may not have proper knowledge as to which team’s supporters were responsible for the unsporting act.

2.8.4 - Disqualification Procedure

Who informs the coach when a player is disqualified on fouls? 

RULING: It is recommended that the ruling official be responsible for notification to the coach. The scorer is to indicate to that official when a player has committed his/her fifth foul (personal and technical) or second technical foul. The official will immediately notify the coach, the timer and then the player of the disqualification. The player is officially disqualified and becomes bench personnel when the coach is notified.

COMMENT: Once the coach is notified, the disqualified player becomes bench personnel and any subsequent technical foul on that disqualified player is also charged indirectly to the head coach. (4-14, 10-6-2)

2.8.5 - Concussion Management

A1 and B1 hit heads in diving for a loose ball and both appear injured. However, A1 is immediately removed from the game by the officials as he/she is exhibiting signs consistent with a concussion. Later in the game, A1 reports to the scorer’s table to reenter the contest.

RULING: The rules permit A1 to return to the game once he/she has been cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. The responsibility for obtaining that clearance rests with the coach/school, and need not be verified by the officials (unless state procedures require verification). If A1 appears at the scorer’s table to reenter the game, the officials shall assume the coach/school followed the appropriate return-to-play procedures and A1 is eligible to participate.

2.10.1 - Correctable Errors

SITUATION A:

A1 is fouled and entitled to two free throws. However, the officials indicate a one-and-one bonus situation. The first attempt is unsuccessful; B4 rebounds the ball and passes it up to B2. The error is discovered with B2 in possession of the live ball near mid-court.

RULING: The error is discovered within the correctable error timeframe, and shall be corrected. Team B securing the rebound and passing to a teammate constitutes no change in team possession. Therefore, A1 will receive the merited free throw with players in lane line spaces and play resumes from the free throw. (2-10-1a)

 

SITUATION B:

The score is tied with three seconds remaining in the final period.  A1 is fouled and is given a one-and-one. A1 misses the first free throw; B1 grabs the rebound and attempts a long try for goal. The try is unsuccessful and the teams prepare for overtime. Before the overtime begins, the officials are notified that A1 should have received two free throws instead of a one-and-one.

RULING: The error is discovered within the correctable error timeframe, and shall be corrected. The second free throw is awarded, if successful, the game is over. If the free throw is missed, overtime is played. (2-10-1a)

 

SITUATION C:

A1 is fouled with one second remaining in the second quarter. Team A is awarded a throw-in and A1 passes the ball inbounds to A2, the horn sounds ending the quarter. As officials enter the court from the half-time intermission, the scorer informs the Referee that A1 should have been awarded one-and-one bonus situation.

RULING: The error is discovered within the correctable error timeframe, and shall be corrected. A1 is awarded a one-and-one bonus situation with the lane cleared. Resume play from the point of interruption, which is an alternating-possession throw-in to start the third quarter. (2-10-1a, 2-10-6, 5-6-2 EXCEPTION 3)

 

SITUATION D:

A1 is fouled. Team A is awarded the ball out of bounds. The foul was Team B’s seventh team foul and A1 should have been awarded a one and one bonus. Team A scores on the ensuing throw-in. As the ball passes through the net, the officials are informed of the error.

RULING: The error is discovered within the correctable error timeframe. Count the goal by A; A1 will be awarded the bonus with no players along the lane lines. There has been a change of possession and the point of interruption is the goal by Team A, therefore Team B will be awarded a throw-in anywhere along the end line. (2-10-1a, 2-10-5)

 

SITUATION E:

A1 is fouled. The scorer informs the official that Team B has committed ten team fouls and that the two-free-throw penalty is in effect. The official administers the free throw and states and indicates “two” throws. The first free throw is unsuccessful and the second is successful. B1 has the ball out of bounds for the throw-in. The scorer informs the official that there were only nine team fouls on Team B and that the penalty should have been one and one.

RULING: The error is discovered within the correctable error timeframe, and shall be corrected. The second free throw is canceled and play is resumed at the point of interruption. Since “no goal” has been scored, play is resumed with an alternat- ing-possession throw-in at a spot nearest to where the ball was located when the stoppage occurred. (2-10-1b, 2-10-6, 4-36-2c)

 

SITUATION F:

A1 is fouled but erroneously is not awarded two free throws even though the automatic bonus is in effect. Team A is given a throw-in, and A1 inbounds the ball to A2 who is tied up by B1 resulting in a held-ball situ- ation. The error is discovered following the held-ball call. The possession arrow is pointing to: (a) A’s; or (b) B’s basket.

RULING: In (a), the merited free throws will be awarded, and play will continue from that action, since Team A had not lost possession between the error and when the error was recognized. However, in (b), the lane is cleared for A1’s merited free throws, and play resumes from the point of interruption which is an alternating-possession throw-in by Team B.

 

SITUATION G:

A1 has been awarded two free throws. Erroneously, the ball is allowed to remain in play after A1 misses on the first attempt. A2 rebounds the miss and tosses the ball through the basket. B1 secures the ball and inbounds it. Play continues until a foul is ruled on A2 as B is passing the ball in B’s frontcourt.

RULING: The goal by A2 counts, but the error of not awarding A1 a second free throw is no longer correctable. Since the ball remained in play on the missed free throw, the clock started and the ball became dead when the goal was scored. When the ball became live on the subsequent throw-in, the time period for correction had expired.  (2-10)

 

SITUATION H:

A1 is fouled by B1 while in the act of shooting and the try or tap is successful. The administering official erroneously awards and announces two free throws instead of one. A1’s first attempt is unsuccessful and B1 rebounds. Play continues briefly with B1 advancing the ball before the official recognizes the error and stops play.

RULING: Since A1 has attempted the merit- ed free throw he/she was entitled to, there is no further correction to be made. Play shall resume with a throw-in by Team B at the out-of-bounds spot nearest to where play was interrupted.

 

SITUATION I:

(a) A1; or (b) B1 commits basket interference at Team A’s basket. In (a), the referee erroneously counts the score; or in (b), fails to count it. In each case, the error is not discovered until the ball has become live following the dead ball during which the error occurred.

RULING: The official’s error in both (a) and (b) is still correctable.

 

 

 

2.10.2 - Correctable Errors

B1 fouls A1. Team A is in the bonus, but the official erroneously awards the ball to Team A for a throw-in. A1’s throw-in is intercepted by B1 who scores a goal. A1’s throw-in is controlled by A2 who dribbles into Team A’s midcourt and then asks for a time-out. During the time-out, the scorer advises the referee that Team A was in the bonus when B1 fouled A1.

RULING: It is too late to correct the error. The error could have been corrected anytime during the dead ball following the goal by B1, as this was the first dead ball after the clock started following the error.

2.10.4 - Correctable Errors

SITUATION A:

A1 is fouled by B1 during a field-goal try which is successful. A2 is erroneously awarded the free throw. While A2’s successful attempt is in the air: (a) B1 fouls A3; or (b) B1 intentionally fouls A3. Prior to the ball becoming live, the coach of Team B properly asks the referee to correct the error of awarding the free throw to the wrong player.

RULING: The free throw by A2 is canceled and A1 will properly attempt the free throw which should have been awarded originally. The common foul by B1 in (a) is canceled. The intentional foul in (b) cannot be canceled. In (b), the game continues with the administration of the two free throws to A3 resulting from the intentional foul by B1. Team A will then be awarded the ball for a throw-in. If the corrected error is a free throw by the wrong player, at the wrong basket or the awarding of an unmerited free throw, the free throw and the activity during it other than unsporting, flagrant, intentional or technical fouls are canceled.

 

SITUATION B:

The officials erroneously permit A1 to shoot technical foul free throws at Team B’s basket; A1 makes both free throws. When the error is discovered, the timeframe for the correctable error (a) has not passed; or (b) has passed.

RULING: In (a), cancel the successful free throws by A1 and administer the free throws again at the correct basket. In (b), the free throws by A1 shall not be canceled and count toward Team A’s point total.

2.10.6 - Correctable Errors

SITUATION A:

A1 is fouled by B1. It is a non-shooting personal foul. It is Team B’s 7th foul of the half, but the official scorer fails to notify the officials and they award Team A the ball out of bounds. After the inbound pass, Team A misses a shot and Team B secures the rebound. Team B then misses a shot at their offensive end, and A1 secures the rebound. A1 requests and is granted a time-out. During the time-out, the officials are informed that Team A should have been awarded a bonus free throw situation on its previous possession.

RULING: The error can still be corrected. A1 shoots a bonus free throw situation with no players on the lane. Team A is then awarded the ball out of bounds nearest the spot where the time-out was requested. Since the error involves the failure to award a merited free-throw(s) and there has been a change in team possession, play shall be resumed from the point at which it was interrupted, after the error has been rectified.

 

SITUATION B:

A1 is fouled by B1. It is a non-shooting personal foul. It is Team B’s 7th foul of the half, but the official scorer fails to notify the officials and they award Team A the ball out of bounds. After the inbound pass, Team A misses a shot and Team B secures the rebound. While Team B has the ball in its possession, B1 is charged with an illegal screen against A2. Before Team A is handed the ball for the throw-in, the officials are informed that Team A should have been awarded the automatic bonus on its previous possession.

RULING: The error can still be corrected. A1 shoots a bonus free throw situation with no players on the lane. Team A is then awarded a throw-in for B1’s team-control foul and play will continue from that point. Since the error involved the failure to award a merited free-throw(s) and there has been a change in team possession, play shall be resumed from the point at which it was interrupted after the error has been rectified.

2.11.3 - Scorer's Signal

When may the scorer signal?

RULING: If the scorer desires to call attention to a player who is illegally in the game, he/she may signal the official when the ball is in control of that player’s team. If it is for a substitution, the scorer may signal when the ball next becomes dead and the clock is stopped. If it is for conferring with an official, he/she may signal when the ball is dead. If the scorer signals while the ball is live, the official should ignore the signal if a scoring play is in progress. Otherwise, the official may stop play to determine the reason for the scorer’s signal.

2.11.10 - Referee's Decision

SITUATION A:

The official and visiting scorers do not agree on the number of fouls charged to A1.

RULING: The referee is notified and if the reason for the discrepancy cannot be determined, the referee will accept the record of the official scorebook.

 

SITUATION B:

The scorer fails to record two points awarded to Team A by the official during the first quarter as a result of basket interference by B1.

RULING: The score may be corrected any time it is discovered before the final score is approved. This situation is not due to the inadvertent setting aside of a rule but is the result of a mistake in record keeping. When there is a discrepancy in the score which is correctable and the referee is positive he/she knows what caused the problem, the referee shall order the correction to be made.

2.11.10 - Scorer's Mistake

SITUATION C:

The scorer mistakenly credits a field goal by A1 to B1 and Team B in the second quarter. The regulation game ends with the score tied. During a time-out in overtime, the scorer detects the mistake and advises the referee.

RULING: The referee will have the mistake corrected. The overtime will continue with the corrected score. Once the ball becomes live in the overtime, the overtime will be played even though a subsequent correction of an error or mistake changes the score. A bookkeeping mistake can be corrected at any time until the final score is approved.

2.11.11 - Scorebook

Team A’s scorebook is the official scorebook for the game. Team A’s scorer is requested by Team A’s head coach to bring the scorebook to the locker room at halftime to review several pieces of information.

RULING: Prohibited; the scorebook shall remain at the table throughout the game, including all intermissions. There is no specific penalty for removing the scorebook; however, if the officials believe the scorebook was removed as an unsporting act, it could be penalized accordingly. (10-2-4, 10-4-6, 10-5-1)

2.12.5 - Warning Signal

A4 commits his/her fifth foul. The official notifies the coach, then signals the timer to begin the 15-second interval for replacing the player and then notifies the player regarding the disqualification. In (a), the required substitute reports within 5 seconds; (b) no substitute has reported by the end of the 15-second interval.

RULING: In (a), the substitute is beckoned into the game by the officials and play resumes. In (b), the timer shall signal a warning horn at the beginning of 15 seconds and then sound another horn at the end of the 15-second interval. (10-6-2 PENALTY)

2.13 - Signal Not Heard

The signal to end the fourth quarter cannot be heard by the officials. The table officials disagree as to whether the ball was in flight during a try for field goal when time expired or if a foul occurred before the ball became dead.

RULING: The final decision shall be made by the referee, and unless he/she has knowledge to alter the ruling, the goal shall count if it was successful and the foul shall be charged and penalized. (2-5-5)