New rules in effect for the 2012-13 high school basketball

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) has implemented a few new rules for the 2012-13 basketball season, including an official scorekeeper shirt rule and a running clock rule.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), revised rule 2-12, to read that “the official scorer is required to wear a black-and-white vertically striped garment.” Previously, this was only a request of teams across the state, but recently became a new rule. The home team’s scorekeeper is considered the “official book.” Therefore, the person keeping that scorebook is now required to wear a vertically striped or  official’s shirt.

The rationale behind this rule is that players, opposing coaches and officials need to easily recognize the official scorer. The NFHS also says that, “This allows for an added level of professionalism at your scorer’s table.” The KHSAA has said that no penalty will be issued for non-compliance at this time, but the issue will be reported and will most likely become punishable in the future. Also the KHSAA says that a black and white sweater or t-shirt will be sufficient, but an official’s shirt is strongly suggested.

Another rule change this season relates to a running clock at certain points in the game. According to the KHSAA website, the new rule states that when the running clock rule goes into effect, it will remain that way until the end of the game.  

Four major points highlight and define the rule. The first point is when one team gains a 35-point advantage over another team in the second half, the clock will continuously run. Secondly, once the running clock has begun, it should only be stopped for a charged timeout, an injury and or blood, a foul out or disqualification, or when free throws are being shot.  

Thirdly, if a foul is called that is not a shooting foul; the timer should not stop the clock. The clock should only stop on shooting fouls after the running clock rule has begun. Finally, when the clock is stopped during running clock play, it will start back on the last missed free throw or on the inbound when the ball is touched. The running clock rule is in effect for all competitions for grades nine through 12.

Several points of emphasis were also announced by the NFHS. Closely guarded situations, contact above the shoulders of opposing players, and intentional fouls. Several examples of closely guarded situations including ones in which fouls are to be called are included on the NFHS website at http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=7378.

Contact above the shoulders of an opposing player will be an area that officials have been instructed to pay particularly close attention to this season.  According to the NFHS, many situations that end in escalating fight situations can be traced back to an improperly handled call by an official.

Intentional fouls are an area that the competition committee of the NFHS is concerned about due to the lack of enforcement of the rule, especially at the end of the game, and the rule has become devolved into misapplications and personal interpretations. According to the NFHS, an intentional foul is a personal or technical foul that neutralizes an opponent’s obvious advantageous position. A more detailed explanation of the intentional foul rule is given on the previously listed website.