High school basketball introduces free throw, foul rule changes
The National Federation of State High School Associations has changed rules for free throws and fouls for the next basketball season, the organization announced in a release.
Teams will now shoot two free throws for common fouls when in the “bonus,” whereas previously they would have shot one-and-one.
The rule for when the bonus is awarded has also been changed. Previously, teams would be awarded one when their opponent committed seven fouls in a half. Now, the bonus will be reached for five fouls in a quarter, and the fouls will reset at the end of each quarter.
“The rules committee studied data that showed higher injury rates on rebounding situations and saw this as an opportunity to reduce opportunities for rough play during rebounds,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS Director of Sports and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee. “Additionally, resetting the fouls each quarter will improve game flow and allow teams to adjust their play by not carrying foul totals to quarters two and four.”
Several other minor rules were also changed or amended, including establishing official shot clock placement at the scorer’s table and rules for uniform bottoms and undershirts.
