Girls Basketball Rules & Regulations

2026 Season Questions

Question 1:  

• Questions and Answers from Previous Seasons - Basketball

   

Wisconsin Adaptations to NFHS Rules - Printable Version 

Please print and place in your rules book for reference

2025-2026 NFHS Rules Interpretations

Basketball Comments on the Rules - 2025-26

Basketball Points of Emphasis - 2025-26

Faking Being Fouled (FBF) Situations - 2024-25

Basketball Rules Interpretations 2025-26

Instructions & Responsibilities of Scorers & Timers

Uniform Purchasing Information - NFHS Specifications

Placement of Manufacturer's Logo on Jersey

Loss of Coaching Box Information

NFHS Basketball Resource Page

NCAA and NFHS Major Basketball Rules Differences 2025-26

Two Hand Foul Reporting

Court Diagram

Basketball Officials Signal Chart

Wilson recommendations on cleaning balls

The Spalding TF1000 Legacy basketball will be the official tournament basketball for sectional and state tournament games.

PRIOR TO FIRST GAME

• Make sure coaching box is properly marked on floor.  Measure 28 feet from the baseline and place a tape line outside the boundary. That gives you a 28 foot box.
• If you have a design/logo in the center of your basketball court, make sure that you have the center restraining circle and center line properly marked as required by NFHS rules. See page 9 of the current NFHS Basketball Rules book for details.
• Please review the timing guidelines along with the introduction format. Please share this information with your scoring table personnel and announcer.
• Check the pressure of your rims. Many of you may have never had your rims pulled down and may not be "in proper condition". Check with the manufacturer to insure that your rims meet specifications -- pages 12-13 of the NFHS Basketball Rules book.

TIMING GUIDELINES

60 second time-out --- buzz warning horn with 15 seconds remaining
30 second time-out --- buzz warning horn with 15 seconds remaining
15 seconds to:

1. replace a disqualified player (5 fouls) - buzz warning horn with 15 seconds remaining
2. replace an injured player - buzz warning horn with 15 seconds remaining. Don't start clock until official indicates.
3. replace a player directed to leave the game - buzz warning horn with 15 seconds remaining

VARSITY GAMES

• 18 minute halves
• 1 minute interval prior to any overtime periods
• 10 minute halftime (unless otherwise arranged ... parent nights, etc.)
• Overtime periods - 4 minutes in length

PRE-GAME PROTOCOL

• 15:00: Warm-up Begins - officials enter court and go directly to positions to supervise warm-up.
• 12:00 Referee goes to the table and checks scorebook(s), briefs scorer and timer, checks game ball
• 10:00 Remaining official(s) go across the floor to join referee, greet the visiting coach, then greet the home head coach. 
  • 1) Referee goes to area in front of scorer’s table. 
  • 2) U1 and U2 will get respective head coaches and captains from teams. 
  • 3) Referee does introductions of officials, coaches, and captain(s). 
  • 4) Referee conducts pregame briefing to include discussing legal equipment and good sporting behavior with head coaches and captain(s). Also discuss team color, proper basket, other appropriate items and answer any questions. 
  • 5) Return to original positions

To honor America and those defending our freedom, we ask those who are able, to stand, remove your hats and place your hand over your heart for the playing of the National Anthem.

PLAYER INTRODUCTIONS

All five starters of the visiting team shall be introduced first followed by the five starters for the home team. Players shall not seek out the opposing coach to shake his/her hand. Players should proceed to the free throw circle in front of their bench and not run to the center of the floor.  Player should not hold hands or swing their hands during the National Anthem.

PINK EVENTS

We are required to follow NFHS uniform with regard to "pink events". Only pink socks, shoe laces, or shoes would be allowed. We have specific color requirements for wristbands and headbands. If you order uniforms, make sure you do not order pink as a color unless pink is very dark and can be used as your "dark uniform". White is required to be worn at home. Please proactive with your coach so that this doesn't become an issue if the team wishes to do a "pink event".

DAITH EAR PIERCINGS

A daith piercing would be considered jewelry and needs to be removed prior to competition unless a waiver is requested and granted from the WIAA. In order to get a waiver, a medical statement from a licensed doctor would need to be submitted to the WIAA. Coach will be provided with a waiver to show to officials prior to the game if approved.  Piercings must be taped/covered.

Headbands:  Wrap Around w/Knot

Specific procedures have been established for allowing a head covering to be worn for medical reasons.  A player who is required to wear a head covering for medical reasons must provide a physician statement or appropriate documented evidence to the WIAA for approval.  If approved, the WIAA shall provide written authorization to the school to be made available to officials.

Wrap-around headband with knot - Illegal.  Skylar Diggins-type headband - illegal

In basketball, not much is allowed when it comes to pink events.  If one team wears pink uniforms, the other team must wear white.  

Otherwise, the only things allowed would be:  1) pink socks, 2) pink shoe laces, and/or 3) pink warmups/t-shirts.   Pink wristbands or headbands are not allowed — unless the jersey is pink.  

A pink ball is not allowed.

Officials may use a pink whistle.