NFHS TO ALLOW INSTANT REPLAY FOR BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

From the Post and Courier

Instant replay has been approved starting next season for last-second shots in high school basketball championship games.

The rule change by the National Federation of State High School Associations allows replay for review of a shot attempt at the end of the fourth quarter or overtime, and only when the last-second shot would affect the outcome of the game.

The rule is not mandatory and leaves the decision whether to use it to each state association.

“When available, technology should be used to assist game officials and administrators in making the correct call when the outcome of the game hangs in the balance and a team has no further opportunity to overcome a critical error,” said Mary Struckhoff, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the basketball rules committee. “This change provides state associations that opportunity.”

The change would let officials determine whether the ball had left the shooter’s hand before time expired or whether the shot was a 2- or 3-pointer.

Approved by the federation at a recent meeting, the change was prompted by controversial finishes in 2008 championship games in South Carolina, Ohio and Michigan.

In South Carolina, Summerville beat Spartanburg, 50-48, to capture the 2008 boys Class AAAA state championship after a 75-foot desperation shot by Spartanburg, which sailed through the net after time expired, was waved off when the officials ruled it was not released in time.

The 2008 Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division 1 girls basketball state championship was won by Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame over West Chester Lakota West, 69-67, following a last-second lay-up. Controversy arose as to whether or not the shot left the shooter's hand before time expired.

Finally, the result of a boys Class B semifinal game was disputed in Michigan, when Flint Powers Catholic defeated Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern, 66-65. After referees huddled together, it was determined that a buzzer-beater made by Forest Hills Northern was a two-point field goal, causing Northern to come up one point short. The two coaches disagreed as to whether the call was correct.

Another new rule will allow the use of a red light behind the backboard to signal the end of a quarter or overtime. If no red light is present, the audible timer’s signal will continue to be used.

The NFHS is the governing body for almost 19,000 high schools in the United States.