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A Closer Look at NFHS Allowing Basketball Shot Clocks Starting in 2022–23

Dr. Karissa Niehoff of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) recently discussed the state association adoption option for the use of 35-second shot clocks in basketball beginning with the 2022–23 season. The NFHS Board of Directors did not approve a proposal for a national rule mandating the shot clock. Rule 2-14 states that each state association may adopt a shot clock beginning in the 2022–23 season — according to guidelines outlined in the Basketball Rules Book — to encourage standardization among states. Guidelines include displaying two timepieces that are connected to a horn that is distinctive from the game-clock horn, and using an alternative timing device, such as a stopwatch at the scorer’s table, in the event of a shot clock malfunction. The guidelines also allow for corrections to the shot clock only during the shot-clock period in which an error occurred and if the officials have definite information relative to the mistake or malfunction.

The shot clock state adoption proposal was made to the NFHS board after it was passed by the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee by an 11-1 vote. The rules committee gathered data from a survey of 45 questions to eight states and Washington, D.C., using the shot clock on an experimental basis. These states (California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Washington) and Washington D.C., answered questions about the impact and experience the shot clock had on boys and girls basketball programs. The feedback was positive enough to warrant the basketball rules committee pass the state adoption rule. According to the NFHS survey, the divisive issue raised some concerns about a national mandate for the use of shot clocks. One is the negative impact the shot clock could have on the development level for boys and girls. The shot clock could cause too much pressure for kids to make decisions and lose focus on developing important skills. The other concern is the financial impact shot clocks could cause for schools, according to the NFHS survey. High schools would have to pay for the extra equipment needed for the shot clock and to train individuals to run the shot clock. These issues kept the use of shot clocks as a state decision, but it does not mean it cannot become a national level rule in the future. Niehoff believes a few states will adopt a shot clock in the 2022–23 season and is optimistic more states will consider the adoption in the future. The use of a shot clock can be implemented in either the boys or girls programs or both.

Reminder on NFHS Basketball, Football Jersey Number Color Changes in 2024

As team dealers prepare basketball and football jersey orders for high schools, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) wants to provide a reminder of a key National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules change going into effect in the 2024–25 school year. Numbers on jerseys in both sports will need to be a single solid color that clearly contrasts with the body color of the jersey. Bob Colgate, the NFHS director of sports and sports medicine and staff liaison to the Football Rules Committee, confirmed in football the entire body of the number shall be a single, solid color that clearly contrasts with the body color of the jersey. The body of the number can still have a border or shading around it in a different color. The rule was approved in 2019 to give schools time to budget for new uniforms by the 2024 season. The same time frame and reasoning was implemented for basketball jerseys for the 2024–25 season. The reason for the change was the difficulty to see some numbers that were the same color as the jersey, with a contrasting border, for on-field officials, game administrators, fans, media and coaches who are scouting opponents.

Update on Lacrosse Commotio Cordis Protection for 2022

A reminder to lacrosse equipment dealers that the new US Lacrosse rule for shoulder pads for boys and men’s field players will take effect January 1, 2022. All shoulder pads must be designed for lacrosse and meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard for commotio cordis protection. Caitlin Kelley, the Women’s Lacrosse Director for US Lacrosse, said no delays were planned for implementation of the rule.

As of January 1, 2021, boys and girls goalie chest protectors were required to be designed for lacrosse and meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) follows US Lacrosse rules.

All products must contain the NOCSAE logo and SEI certification mark on the product and packaging to be legal for play. NOCSAE ND200 is the first performance standard for chest protectors and shoulder pads that aims to reduce the risk of commotio cordis (cardiac arrest caused from a blow to the heart area).

Kelley said there are no proposals for girls field players to wear shoulder pads at this time.

NFHS, USA Lacrosse Develop Partnership

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and USA Lacrosse have signed an agreement that affirms the commitment of both organizations to strengthen the collaborative and supportive working relationship between the two groups that has been in place for more than 20 years. Focused on athlete safety, rules implementation, developing and promoting resources and recruiting and retaining coaches and officials, the agreement will align NFHS high school rules committees and the USA Lacrosse youth rules committees to establish consistency in the rules-writing process. In the area of rules development, the composition of the NFHS Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee will be altered, beginning with the 2022–23 season, to mirror the NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee. In both cases, USA Lacrosse will have a representative on the NFHS committees, and the NFHS will have representation on the USA Lacrosse Women’s and Men’s Game Youth Rules Subcommittees.

“The NFHS and USA Lacrosse have worked together in a collaborative manner to support and promote both girls and boys lacrosse for many years,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “We are excited about strengthening the relationship and look forward to ways that this renewed effort on the part of both organizations will continue to grow the sport at the youth and high school levels.” In addition to a commitment to maintaining a collaborative relationship in devising playing rules for girls and boys lacrosse, the two organizations will continue to work together in the development and promotion of lacrosse educational programming to support lacrosse coaches and officials at all levels of experience. “We really appreciate the longstanding relationship we’ve had with the NFHS in working to create the best possible experience for high school athletes,” said Ann Kitt Carpenetti, Vice President for Lacrosse Operations for USA Lacrosse. “This agreement is another positive step forward, both in helping to maintain consistency in the rules for youth and high school players, and in developing critical educational resources for coaches and officials. We’re excited about the opportunities in front of us.”

NFHS Ice Hockey Requires Stoppage of Play for Broken Goalie Skate Blade

To maintain the health and safety of goalkeepers, game action will now be stopped in the event a goalkeeper’s skate blade is broken or becomes displaced on the ice surface. This new clause, which was added to Rule 3-3-5, is the most significant of the rules changes recently proposed by the NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Committee. Breaking or losing a skate blade can render a goalkeeper incapacitated, which presents a highly dangerous situation similar to when a goalkeeper’s mask, helmet or glove is displaced. Adding language to include skate blades within Rule 3-3-5 helps minimize safety concerns for the goalkeeper, who may not be able to stand or properly defend against oncoming shot attempts when a skate blade is removed or broken. The rule change also removes potential hazards for other skaters maneuvering around the goal crease area.

Your Voice Matters!

NSGA advocates for important issues on behalf of the sporting goods industry. But we need your help! Advocacy is not politics but a way to influence policies. 5 steps to successfully advocate:

1. Be clear and concise 2.Identify who you are and why you are contacting your elected representative 3.Establish your connection to the issue and how it affects your business and greater community 4.Make your request –

What do you want the elected representative to do? 5.Thank them for their attention and consideration