We are now 11 days away from the first IHSA girls basketball games of the season and 18 from the first boys games. As with each year, there are new rule changes and interpretations but this year, one rule change may take some getting used to for players, coaches, fans and game officials and workers. Passed down from the National Federation of High Schools and approved by the IHSA, a new rule has emerged regarding free throws. The rule states as follows: “Rule 4-8-1: Eliminates the one-and-one for common fouls beginning with the seventh team foul in the half and establishes the bonus as two free throws awarded for a common foul beginning with the team’s fifth foul in each quarter and resets the fouls at the end of each quarter.” NFHS rationale for the rule change is that the new rule “improves flow by providing an opportunity for teams to adjust their play by not carrying over fouls from quarters 1 and 3 to quarters 2 and 4 while significantly reducing the opportunity for correctable errors to occur. Minimizes risk of injury by eliminating the one-and-one and reducing opportunities for rough play during rebounding opportunities.” The IHSA has asked for patience from fans and everyone involved in games as adjustments are made to the new rule.
New Rule Changes Set to Debut This Basketball Season
