NCAA Rules Changes and Points of Emphasis (2007-2008)

Courtside Monitor. Rule 2-5.1a (page 42). The officials shall use the monitor to assess the situation when a fight is declared. Rationale. Officials are currently allowed to use the monitor, but this will require review of a fight situation to ensure that all unsportsmanlike behavior is addressed.

Back Panel of Uniform. Rule 3-5.1 (page 69). When a back shoulder panel is used, it shall extend no more than 3 inches from the shoulder seam and may be arched or horizontal. Rationale: This allows another area for creativity in uniform designs without affecting the visibility of the number.

Uniform Patches. Rule 3-5.7 (page 70). Any commemorative/memorial patches worn on the uniform shall be a maximum of 2 ¼ inches. Rationale: No size restrictions currently exist.

Uniform Patch Placement. Rule 3-5.7 (page 70). A single

commemorative/memorial patch, flag, institutional or conference logo or mascot may be worn at the center of the neckline or apex on the back of the game jersey. Rationale: No patch, flag or logo is currently allowed on this area.

Hair Control Devices. Rule 3-5.15 (page 72). Any item that goes around the head, including headbands or hair control devices, shall be of a single solid color, no more than 2 inches wide with only one institutional or manufacturer’s logo and the dominant color of the game jersey or white, black or beige (women only). Hard items including but not limited to barrettes, beads and bobby pins are prohibited. Rationale: This make hair control devices consistent with the headband rule and adds beige and black as possible colors.

Throw-In Ends. Rule 4-65.5 (page 102). A throw-in shall end when a passed ball is touched inbounds or out-of-bounds by another player on the playing court, before going out-of-bounds. Rationale: This makes the end of the throw-in consistent.

Men Only:

Three-Point Line. Rule 1-7 (page 29). Effective for the 2008-09 season, the three-point line distance be changed to 20 feet, 9 inches. Rationale: This will allow for better court spacing and open up the lane for a free-flowing game.

Free-Throw Alignment. Rule 8-1.4 (page 248). To eliminate the first lane space nearest the basket on each side of the lane and using the present second, third and fourth space on each side of the lane as an alignment for free throws. Rationale: The players will be further from the basket during a free throw and will help eliminate the defensive player from ending up under the basket.

Courtside Monitor. Rule 2-5.1 (page 42). The officials may use the

courtside television monitor, when available, to determine whether or not a flagrant foul occurred. Rationale: The official is not allowed to go to the monitor for a flagrant foul now if the situation has been deemed a fight.

Table Mechanic. The calling official shall report the infraction and move opposite the bench. Rationale: This was the previous protocol.

Women Only:

Delay of Game. Rule 9-5.4 (page 157). If an opponent of the thrower-in has any part of her person over the inside plane of the sideline or endline, a delay of game warning followed by an indirect technical foul will be assessed. Rationale: Currently, this is a violation. The loss of possession for a violation is ineffective because the other team already has possession of the ball.

Fouls and Penalties. Rule 10 (page 156). The rule regarding fouls and penalties (Rule 10) will be reorganized into four areas: personal fouls, administrative technical fouls, player/substitute technical fouls and bench personnel technical fouls; with the proper penalty to immediately follow. The rule will also be changed to consistently count technical fouls toward the categories of team-foul count, the five fouls toward disqualification and the two fouls toward ejection. Rationale: This will make the rule consistent.

Legal Guarding Position. The officiating guideline that made it an illegal guarding position when a defensive player’s head is under the cylinder and a dribbler becomes an airborne player has been revoked. Rationale: This will make the legal guarding position rule the same for the entire court.

Significant Editorial Changes:

Play-By-Play. Rule 2-14 (page 59). Allow the use of the play-by-play to correct a scoring or book-keeping mistake.

Digital Stopwatch. Rule 2-13.7 (page 58). A digital stopwatch shall be available at the scorer’s table. Rationale: A stopwatch is required. This will specify that it shall be digital.

Double Technical Foul. Rule 7-4.1.i (page 131). Add a double technical foul to the list of situations after which the ball shall be awarded out of bounds.

Indirect Technical Foul. Rule 10-2.16 (page 160). An indirect technical foul will be assessed for placing a hand(s) on the backboard or ring to gain an advantage.

Case Book. A case book separate from the rules book will be created for collegiate basketball. The publication is expected to be issued in

September.

Men’s Points of Emphasis:

Charge/block – particularly near the goal

Coach’s behavior and enforcement of the box

Rough post play

Palming

Women’s Point of Emphasis

Displacement

Traveling

Unsportsmanlike Behavior

Legal Guarding Position