NFHS approves goaltending and basket interference rule changes for 2025-2026 season

 

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INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana--The NFHS Board of Directors has approved six modifications for the forthcoming 2025-2026 high school basketball season, as stated in a press release from the OHSAA.

These changes were recommended by the Basketball Rules Committee during the meeting held in April.

Rule 4-22-3 has been added to indicate that the ball is considered to be on its downward flight once it contacts the backboard on a legitimate shot attempt. Therefore, it is goaltending if a defensive player touches the ball after it contacts the backboard.

Prior to this change, an official determined if a shot attempt was still ascending and out of the cylinder before goaltending could be called.

"By establishing that a ball is considered to be on its downward flight upon contacting the backboard, this rule change introduces a clear and objective standard." said Monica Maxwell, NFHS Director of Sports and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee.

Additionally, rules 4-22-1 and 4-22-2 were amended to indicate only a defensive player can commit goaltending, eliminating the possibility of an offensive goaltending violation.

The change removes the need to determine whether a ball in flight is a field-goal attempt or a pass. Any alteration of a shot attempt with contact to the basket or backboard by an offensive player would be considered basket interference. 

Therefore, the act of intentionally slapping or striking the backboard during a shot attempt will now result in basket interference and not a technical foul. 

This new rule of 4-6-2 and corresponding removal of Rule 10-4-4b from the "Player Technical" section aims to standardize officiating and remove intent from the decision.

For the complete press release of rule changes from NFHS please click the link here.

This is expected to introduce intriguing scenarios to the gameplay as the season draws near.