NFHS changes free throw procedures
Beginning next year, high school basketball teams will shoot two free throws for common fouls when in the “bonus.” This change to Rule 4-8-1 eliminates the one-and-one scenario and sets new foul limits each quarter for awarding the bonus free throw.
Rules changes were approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball Rules Committee at its annual meeting April 24-26 in Indianapolis. The recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
In addition to awarding two foul shots for all common fouls, teams will reach the bonus when their opponent commits five fouls in each quarter and team fouls will reset at the end of each quarter. Previously, teams were awarded the one-and-one bonus when their opponents committed seven fouls in a half and two foul shots when ten fouls were committed each half.
“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.”
The throw-in procedure for front-court violations was simplified in Rules 7-5-2 through 7-5-5. When the ball is in team control in the offensive team’s frontcourt and the defensive team commits a violation, a common foul prior to the bonus, or the ball becomes dead, the corresponding throw-in by the offensive team will be at one of four designated spots determined by where the infraction took place. The designated spots are either the nearest 28-foot mark along each sideline or the nearest spot three feet outside the lane line on the end line. The one exception is when the defensive team causes a ball to be out of bounds, the throw-in shall be the spot where the ball went out of bounds.
Throw-in administration was also addressed in a change to Rule 7-6-6. When an official administers a throw-in to the wrong team, the error can be fixed before the first dead ball after the ball becomes live unless there has been a change in possession.
UH-Hilo continues partnership with under armour
The University of Hawaii at Hilo Department of Athletics announced Monday it reached an agreement with Under Armour and Sports Line to continue to make UA the official apparel and footwear provider of the Vulcans.
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Under Armour and Sports Line,” UH-Hilo Director of Athletics Patrick Guillen said. “As we continue to advance our competitive excellence, both Under Armour and Sports Line will play a critical role in ensuring that our student-athletes are well-equipped on and off the field.”
In extending its partnership with Under Armour and Sports Line, UH-Hilo will continue to put the performance of its student-athletes first as the new agreement will enhance the department’s brand commitment and competitiveness to the highest levels.
“In signing this deal, we continue a valued partnership and are honored to partner with one of the most innovative and respected companies around the globe,” Guillen said. “We are also fortunate to work with Sports Line — one of the most respected vendors in Hawaii who always comes through for our program. Our entire department is looking forward to continuing this partnership and relationship with the Under Armour and Sports Line team.”