NFHS Rules Book 2017-18
Online basketball rules book
The purpose of the online basketball rules book is to enable quick and easy access to rules references for basketball officials.
THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE RULES
The restrictions which the rules place upon the players are intended t0:
- create a balance of play;
- provide equal opportunity between the offense and the defense;
- to provide equal opportunity between the small player and tall player;
- provide reasonable risk minimization;
- create an atmosphere of sporting behavior and fair play; and
- emphasize cleverness and skill without unduly limiting freedom of action of individual or team play on either offense or defense.
Therefore, it is important to know the intent and purpose of a rule so that it may be intelligently applied in each play situation. A player or a team should not be permitted an advantage which is not intended by a rule. Neither should play be permitted to develop which may lead to placing a player at a disadvantage not intended by a rule.
It is the policy of the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee that there be no deviation from the rules unless experimental approval has been granted by the NFHS liaison to the rules committee.
THE GAME – Basketball is played by two teams of five players each. The purpose of each team is to throw the ball into its own basket and to prevent the other team from scoring. The ball may be thrown, batted, rolled or dribbled in any direction, subject to restrictions laid down in the following rules.
Table of Contents
Rule 1. Court and Equipment
Rule 2. Officials and Their Duties
Rule 3. Players, Substitutes and Equipment
Rule 4. Definitions
Rule 5. Scoring and Timing Regulations
Rule 6. Live Ball and Dead Ball
Rule 7. Out of Bounds and Throw-in
Rule 8. Free Throw
Rule 9. Violations and Penalties
Rule 10. Fouls and Penalties
