Effective with the 2007-08 high school basketball season, home jerseys are to be white, while visiting jerseys will remain a dark color. Rule 3-4-6 previously stated that light-colored home jerseys should be worn. However, as teams have taken greater liberties with this regulation, confusion has surfaced as home jerseys have begun to resemble visiting jerseys

Perhaps one of the more significant rule changes for the upcoming season is one involving players leaving the bench area if a fight may occur. A rule addressed during the meeting involves penalties for players who leave the bench during a conflict on the court. Rule 10-4-4 formerly labeled a conflict as a fight only if there were punches involved, whereas the rule now will include any situation in which a fight may occur. Therefore, any person who leaves the bench for a fight or potential fight will be subject to ejection from the game. “We expanded the parameters to not only include a fight situation, but also when a fight may break out,” Mary Struckhoff said. “Coaches must ensure that players and all personnel stay at the bench when any kind of volatile situation takes place on the court.”

Other changes made by the NFHS Rules committee: • Rule 10-3-7d involves purposely obstructing an opponent’s vision by waving or placing one’s hands near the eyes. While in the past only the person with the ball could be treated in such a manner, this change prohibits any player from purposely obstructing another player’s vision, whether or not he or she has the ball.

Also, Rule 4-29 extends the kicking rule from the original stipulation that a kick was intentional only if it occurred at the knee or below. Now, the rule has been altered to include the entire leg

The final change approved this year concerns Rules 1-5-2 and 1-13-2 which were altered to reflect what has already become common practice. These changes permit the lane space marks and neutral zone to be the same color as the lane lines and end lines. Additionally, the coaching box line is no longer required to contrast with the boundary lines.

My advice to everyone is to be aware of the points of emphasis, especially be aware of closely guarded situations. Reward the defense when it is warranted. Also, understand the obstructed vision rule change and enforce it when you absolutely know that it was intentional.

As a final piece of advice, make a point of using only the approved high school mechanics in every game. I know that some of you do college games but keep in mind that some of the newer officials watch your games and can pick up some of your mechanics. If they ask you about it, try to help them by giving the right advice. I'm not one to get anal about whether you use college mechanics as long as you don't advise the new folks to use them. Newer people need to learn the Federation mechanics first.

The game becomes easier to officiate when you know the rules. Understanding the spirit and intent of the rules will give you the best judgement. Work hard, get good angles to see the whole play and have a great season.