2006 NFHS rule changes

Summary of NFHS Rules Changes for 2006-07
Amended 6-23-06
(The rule and page references below are from the 2005-06 rules book).

Rule 1-1 (p. 85) Buzzers for clocks: The buzzer for the expiration of time on the game clock must have a different sound from the buzzer for the expiration of the possession time of the shot clock . This is recommended for immediate implementation and required as of July 1, 2009.
Rule 1-6 (p. 86) Pool Markers: Distinctive marks shall be provided on both sides of the field of play to denote the following:
a. white marks - goal line and half-distance line
b. red marks – 2 yards/m from goal line
c. yellow marks – 5 meters from goal line
If the sides of the field of play are marked or if side lane lines are used, the sides of the field of play from the end line to the goal line shall be marked in white, from the goal line to the 2-yard/m line shall be marked in red, from the 2-yard/m line to the 5-meter line shall be marked in yellow, and from the 5-meter line to the half distance line shall be marked in green or color other than yellow or red. The requirement for markings (or cones) on the pool deck and the requirement for correct markings for side lane lines, if present, are effective July 1, 2006. The correct color of any deck tile, if present, is recommended for immediate implementation and required by July 1, 2007
Rule 1-10 (p. 86) Use of Artificial Communication Devices: The use of a megaphone or other artificial communication device or whistling (artificial or natural) by a coach to communicate with the team during play is prohibited.
Rule 2-1 and Rule 2-3 (p. 86) Goal Backing and Goal Space: The requirement for net backing for floating goals, first adopted in 2003, is effective July 1, 2006. The end lines (boundary lines) shall be attached not less than 0.30 meters behind the goal lines.
Note: However, if the end lines are not attached at least .30 meters behind the goal line, any ball that contacts the end lines shall be deemed out of play.
Rule 3-1 (p. 87) Ball Color: The ball shall be round, yellow or gold in color and may have colored stripes. The ball must be predominantly yellow or gold. The colored stripes must be as manufactured (not hand-painted).
Rule 4-1 (p. 87) White Caps: The caps of visiting team field players shall be solid white. Caps of either color may have piping around the edges. White caps may not be divided into thirds, quarters, or alternating panels. All team caps may have team identification and one visible manufacturer’s logo/trademark/reference, not to exceed 2_ square inches and not exceeding 2_ inches in any dimension.
Rule 4-4 (p.88) Height of Cap Numbers: Plainly visible numbers, at least 8 centimeters (preferably 10 centimeters) in height, shall be placed on both sides of the caps.
Rule 5-2 (p. 90) Position of Head Coach: The head coach of the attacking team is allowed to move to the 5-meter line; when the coach’s team is on defense, the coach must return to the bench area. If a head coach receives a warning or yellow card, the coach is still allowed to move to the 5-meter line.
Rule 5-4 (p. 90) Swim Suits: Suits may have school identification and one visible manufacturer’s logo/trademark/reference, not to exceed 2_ square inches and not exceeding 2_ inches in any dimension.
Rule 5-5-2 (p. 91) Fingernail and Oil or Grease Rules: If sharp nails are discovered after the game starts, the player is removed and must trim the nails before returning later to the game as a substitute. If the presence of oil or grease is detected after the play has started, the offending player is removed for the remainder of the game and a substitute may enter immediately from the reentry area.
Rule 6-1(p. 92) Observers: The desk of the home team must accommodate a minimum of one observer from the visiting team and up to two additional observers as space permits. All desk officials must act in a neutral manner during the game.
Rule 6-3 (p. 93) (Moved to Rule 7-10) Protests: Protests may be lodged only for misapplication of rules, equipment malfunction, or errors in recording information. Judgment calls are not subject to protest. When the referees are notified that the coach is filing a protest, the referees must immediately notify the opposing coach. Note: The written protest with the decision must be attached to the score sheet; this serves as the official record of the protest.
Rule 7-4 (p. 94 Red Card: An individual federation may impose more severe penalties on the coach or team official who received a red card. For example, the coach or team official may not be permitted within the pool area during the game in which the suspension is being served.
Rule 7-4 (p. 94) Notification of Issuance of Yellow or Red Card: When a yellow or red card is issued, the referee issuing the card must notify the secretary and the other referee.
Note: If the referee on the opposite side of the pool from the scoring table issues a red or a yellow card, that referee must notify the referee on the scoring table side who then must inform the secretary as to whom the card is to be charged.
Rule 7-8 (p. 95) (New) Checking and Signing Scoresheet: The referees must check and sign the score sheet after the conclusion of the game. Note: It is recommended that one of the referees check the score sheet after each period.
Rule 7-9 (p. 95)(New) Correctable Errors: Correctable errors, including technical errors by desk officials, equipment malfunction, timing errors, difference in hand signals of the referees (if the two referees point in opposite directions), and misapplication of rules should not affect the outcome of the game. No team shall gain an advantage over an opponent because of this type of error. If for any reason an entire game or a portion of the game must be replayed, all goals and personal fouls recorded during the part to be re-played are removed from the record of the game except for red and yellow cards, misconduct including disrespect, and brutality (including fighting) personal fouls. All participants who committed these fouls or who received a red card may not take part in the game but they may be substituted for, according to the rules. The game clock is reset to the time of the error, such as the time of the third personal foul if that was not signaled by the desk, and the 35-second clock shall be reset appropriately.
Rule 10-2-c (p. 97): Signal for Improper Reentry: An improper reentry of a player is signaled by the exclusion secretary by whistle, which signal shall stop play immediately.
Rule 10 2-d (p. 97) Third Foul Which is a Penalty Foul: Note: If a player is excluded for the second time and interferes with play when leaving the pool, a penalty foul shall be awarded against the excluded player, that foul making that player’s third personal foul. The exclusion secretary raises the red flag to indicate that this is the third foul on that player. The penalty throw is taken with the substitute for the excluded player in the exclusion area. The substitute may not enter until after the earliest occurrence of an event referred to in Rule 21-3.
Rule 11-1 (p. 98) Interval Between Periods: If both teams are ready to start before the conclusion of the 5-minute interval between the second and third period, the referee may start play.
Rule 12-1-2 (p. 99) Signal for Timeout: Note: The timeout secretary may not signal the award of a timeout.
Rule 12-2 (p. 99) Position of Players During Timeout: During a timeout, the excluded player may leave the water to reach the reentry area. If the excluded player is being substituted for, in this instance as well as in the interval between periods or after a goal, the excluded player does not have to go to the reentry area before the substitute for an excluded player may enter the pool when signaled.
Rule 13-3 (p. 101) Start of Game: A center sprint with a ball-release device may be used for the start of the game and the restart of each subsequent period. Note: The center sprint with the ball-release device may be used in any game at the option of the host.
Rule 14-3-d (p. 101) Direct Shot on Goal: A goal may be scored by a player immediately shooting from outside 5 meters after the player’s team has been awarded a free throw for a foul committed outside 5 meters.
Rule 14-3-e (p. 102) Direct Shot on Goal: Note: A goal may not be scored by a direct shot on goal by the player taking the free throw after a double exclusion foul.
Rule 16-1 (p. 103) Goal Throw (When Awarded): A goal throw shall be awarded
a. When the ball passes fully over the goal line excluding between the goal posts and underneath the cross bar, having last been touched by any player other than the goalkeeper of the defending team.
Interpretation: However, it is a corner throw if a defensive player deliberately sends the ball over the goal line or if a defensive player deflects a pass and sends the ball out over the goal line.
b. When the entire ball has passed fully over the goal line between the goal posts and underneath the crossbar, or strikes the goal posts, crossbar or the defending goalkeeper direct from:
1. A free throw awarded inside 5 meters;
2. A free throw awarded outside 5 meters not taken in accordance with the rules;
Interpretation: a free throw awarded outside 5 meters must be shot immediately in order for the goal to count (see Rule 14-3 for definition of immediate shot).
3. A goal throw not taken immediately; or
4. A corner throw.
Rule 16-2 (p. 103) Goal Throw (How Taken): The goal throw shall be taken by any player of the team from anywhere within the 2-yard/m area. The goal throw shall be taken by the player nearest to the ball.
Rule 17-1 (p. 104) Corner throw (When Awarded): A corner throw shall be awarded when the entire ball has passed fully over the goal line, excluding between the goal posts and underneath the cross bar, having last been touched by the goalkeeper of the defending team or when a defending player deliberately sends the ball over the goal line.
Interpretation: If a defensive player deflects a pass and sends the ball out over the goal line, play shall be restarted with a corner throw. This action is considered as deliberately sending the ball over the goal line.
Rule 18-1-c (p. 104) Award of a Neutral Throw: Note: If both referees blow their whistles at the same moment to award exclusion fouls to opposing teams, the ball is awarded to the team in possession of the ball. If neither team has possession, a neutral throw is awarded.
Rule 20-16 (p. 109) Sending Ball Out of Bounds Over Side Line: It is an ordinary foul to send the ball out of the side of the field of play, including the ball rebounding from the side of the field of play above water level.
Interpretation:
a. The ball must pass completely over the side line or rebound from the side of the field of play above water level to be out of bounds.
b. A free throw is awarded to the defending player (i.e., defending field player or goalkeeper) if the defense tips out a shot over the sideline. The free throw may be taken at the location where the ball went out of the side of the pool or at any spot behind this location (including by the goalkeeper).
c. A free throw is awarded to the defending player if the offense sends the ball out of the side of the field of play by a shot or bad pass.
d. A free throw is awarded to the attacking team if the defending team tips out a pass over the sideline.
e. A free throw is awarded to a defending player if the offensive player shoots and the ball goes over the sideline untouched by any player.
Rule 21-3-1 (p. 111): Reentry in Double Exclusion: In the case of a double exclusion, with the team on offense retaining possession of the ball, both excluded players are eligible to reenter when a change of possession occurs. Each will be waved in on that change in possession as soon as the excluded player reaches that player’s excluded area.
Rule 21-3-4 (p. 111) Reentry of an Excluded Player: Interpretation: In order to determine when an excluded player is allowed to start play at the beginning of the next period, the referee must use the principle that if the ball would have been awarded to the defending team if there were time remaining on the clock at the end of the period, then the teams start even. If the ball would not necessarily have been awarded to the defending team, then the team with the excluded player starts with a player in the re-entry area. For example:
a. If a shot is taken at the end of the period and the ball goes out of bounds, not touched by any player, the teams start even up at the beginning of the next period.
b. If a shot is taken at the end of the period and tipped out any field player, the teams start even up at the beginning of the next period.
c. If a shot is taken at the end of the period and tipped out by the goalkeeper, the team with the excluded player starts with a player in the reentry area.
d. If the goalkeeper catches the ball on a shot (or rebound from a shot) immediately after the signal for the end of the period, the teams start even.
e. If a shot is taken at the end of the period and the ball hits an overhead obstruction before going into the goal, the team with the excluded player starts with a player in the reentry area, regardless whether a player of either team touches the ball.
Rule 21-4 (new interpretations): Leaving the Water: It is an exclusion foul for a player to leave the water or sit or stand on the steps or side of the pool during play, except in the case of accident, injury, illness or with the permission of the referee.
Interpretation: The player leaving the pool during play receives an exclusion foul, is excluded for 20 seconds or until the earliest occurrence of one of the events listed in Rule 21-3 ( Rule 21-3).
Interpretation: An excluded player who leaves the pool, other than from the exclusion area following the entry of a substitute, is excluded for the remainder of the game (Rule 21-2).
Rule 21-6 (new) (p. 112): Two Hands Outside the 5-Meter Line: It is an exclusion foul to attempt to play or block a shot with two hands outside the 5-meter area.
Note: If a defending player who is outside the 5-meter area raises two hands in an attempt to play or block a shot on a goal, the player shall be excluded. This does not pertain to a pass. The player does not actually have to touch the ball and a shot does not have to be actually taken. The player is being punished for intent.
Rules 21-9 (p. 113) and 21-11 (p. 115) Disrespect and Misconduct: The fouls of disrespect and misconduct are combined into one rule called misconduct, with the penalty remaining the same as the current rule (exclusion for the remainder of the game with substitution after 20 seconds). It is an exclusion foul to be guilty of misconduct, including the use of obscene, abusive, threatening language or gestures, violent or persistent foul play, overaggressive fouls, or to refuse obedience to or show disrespect for a referee or official.
Rule 21-10-1 (p. 114) Biting: Biting is included as an example of brutality.
Rule 21-10-1 (p. 114) Penalty for Brutality: The penalty for committing an act of brutality during live time or dead time is as follows: the offending player shall be excluded from the remainder of the game, the substitute excluded for 20 seconds, a dead-time penalty throw awarded, and the team shooting the penalty throw shall get the ball back at the half-distance line as after a timeout, whether the penalty shot is made or missed. In addition, the substitute is still excluded for 20 seconds or until the earliest occurrence of an event referred to in Rule 21-3.
Rule 21-10 (p. 114) Penalty for Brutality during a Timeout or After a Goal: the offending player shall be excluded from the remainder of the game, the substitute excluded for 20 seconds, a dead-time penalty throw awarded, and the team shooting the penalty throw shall get the ball back at the half-distance line as after a timeout, whether the penalty shot is made or missed. In addition, the substitute is still excluded for 20 seconds or until the earliest occurrence of an event referred to in Rule 21-3.
Rule 21-10 (p. 114) Penalty for Brutality during the Interval Between Periods: the offending player shall be excluded from the remainder of the game, the substitute excluded for 20 seconds, the period begins with a dead-time penalty throw, and the team shooting the penalty throw shall get the ball back at the half distance line as after a timeout, whether the penalty shot is made or missed. In addition, the substitute is still excluded for 20 seconds or until the earliest occurrence of an event referred to in Rule 21-3.
Rule 21-10 (p. 114) Simultaneous Brutality during Live Time or Dead Time: Both players are excluded for the remainder of the game, a dead-time penalty throw awarded each team, taken with the substitutes in the exclusion areas. The first penalty throw taken by team in possession of ball at time of stoppage. When second penalty throw is taken (made or missed), game restarted by the team which last had possession of the ball at or behind half, as after a timeout. Substitutes may not enter until earliest occurrence of one of events described in 21-3.
Rule 21-10 (p. 114) Simultaneous Brutality Between Periods: Both players are excluded for the remainder of the game with their substitutes in the exclusion areas, and the next period begins with a sprint. After one team gains possession, the referee will stop the game and award a penalty throw to the team which gained possession. This results in a goal or no goal. The second penalty shot will be taken by the defensive team, which will result in a goal or no goal. The referee will then award a free throw on or behind the half distance line to the team that gained possession on the sprint as after a timeout. The substitutes remain in the exclusion areas until the earliest occurrence of one of the events described in Rule 21-3.
Rule 21-10-5 (p. 115) Brutality Committed by a Substitute: The offending player is excluded for the remainder of the game, the captain removes from the water a player of the captain’s choice, a dead-time penalty throw awarded, and the team shooting the penalty throw shall get the ball back at or behind the half distance line as after a timeout whether the penalty shot is made or missed. The player who was removed (or a substitute) must still remain in the exclusion area for 20 seconds or until the earliest occurrence of an event referred to in Rule 21-3.
Rule 21-11 (p.115) Start of Play After a Call of Misconduct or Disrespect: If misconduct or disrespect or any other offense relating to these fouls is called during an interval between periods, a timeout, or prior to restart after a goal, no matter which team committed the foul, the teams start even up:
a. If it occurs during the interval between periods, the game restarts even up with a sprint;
b. If it occurs during a timeout, the game starts with a free throw to the team that requested the timeout; or
c. If it occurs following a goal, the game starts with a free throw to the team which was defending before the goal was scored.
Rule 21-11 (p. 115) Minor Act of Disrespect: If a minor act of disrespect is called during the interval between periods, during a timeout or prior to the restart after a goal, no matter which team committed the foul, the player is excluded for 20 seconds, the substitute enters immediately, and the teams start even up in the manner described above. The excluded player can return later to the game.
Rule 21-11 (p. 115) Minor Act of Disrespect After an Exclusion Foul: The penalty for committing a minor act of disrespect immediately after receiving an exclusion foul is changed to: a penalty throw awarded to the opposing team, the player excluded for 20 seconds or until the earliest occurrence of an event referred to in 21-3, and an additional personal foul awarded to the player.
Interpretation: The player will be charged with the exclusion foul and the penalty foul. The penalty throw is taken with the player in the exclusion area.
Rule 21-15 (p. 117) Entering Field of Play Improperly: It is an exclusion foul for an excluded player or a substitute to enter the field of play improperly.
If this foul is committed by a player of the team not in possession of the ball, the offending player shall be excluded for 20 seconds and a penalty throw is awarded to the opposing team. If this foul is committed by a player of the team in possession of the ball, the offending player shall be excluded for 20 seconds and a free throw awarded to the opposing team.
Interpretation: If a defensive player reenters the field of play improperly, the player is excluded for an additional 20 seconds and a penalty throw is awarded to the attacking team. However, on the scoresheet, only one additional personal foul (marked as EP) shall be recorded against the offending player.
Interpretation: If an offensive player reenters the field of play improperly, the player is excluded for an additional 20 seconds and a free throw is awarded to the opposing team. On the scoresheet, an additional personal foul shall be recorded against the offending player.
Rule 21-18-1 (p. 117) and Appendix A-12 (p. 125) Simultaneous Exclusion Fouls: When a player of each team commits an exclusion foul simultaneously during actual play or dead time, both players shall be excluded; the referee shall take the ball from the water, communicate the numbers of the excluded players to the players in the water and to the game secretary. The team in possession of the ball shall restart play with a free throw or, if the exclusion fouls were committed in dead time, with the free throw already awarded to the team in possession of the ball. This free throw may not be shot directly at the goal. If neither team had possession of the ball, a neutral throw is awarded.. The 35-second clock is reset
Rule 21-18-2 (p. 117) and Appendix A-13 (p. 125) Simultaneous Award of Penalty Throws: When a player of each team commits a penalty foul simultaneously during actual play or during dead time, the first throw shall be taken by the team last in possession of the ball. After the second penalty throw has been taken (made or missed), the game shall be restarted with a free throw on or behind the half-distance line as after a timeout by the team which last had possession of the ball.. The 35-second clock is reset.
Rule 21-18-3 (p. 117) and Appendix A-10 (p. 124) Simultaneous Exclusion Foul and Penalty Foul: When one referee awards an exclusion foul and at the same moment the other referee awards a penalty foul but for opposing teams, both players receive personal fouls, neither is excluded, and the penalty throw is conducted. He 35-second clock is reset.
Rule 21-20 (p. 118) Interfering with Play: Note amended to include the following as a penalty foul. This rule also applies to players who commit a minor act of disrespect immediately after an exclusion foul.
Rule 22-2 (p. 118) Two Hands Inside the 5-Meter Line: It is a penalty foul for a defending player to commit any foul within the 5-meter area but for which a goal would probably have resulted. It is an offense within the meaning of this rule for a defending player to intentionally play or attempt to play the ball or block a shot with two hands or for a defending player to intentionally block or attempt to block a pass with two hands inside the 5-meter area to prevent a probable goal.
Interpretation: The defending player does not have to touch the ball nor does a shot have to be taken. The player is being punished for intent.

Rule 22-3 (p. 118) Kicking or Striking Within 5-Meter Area or Brutality or Fighting
It is a penalty foul for a defending player within the 5-meter area to kick or strike an opponent or for a player at any location in the pool to commit an act of brutality or to engage in a fight. Note: If a player commits an act of brutality or engages in a fight, either inside or outside the 5-meter line, a penalty throw is awarded and the player excluded for the remainder of the game.
Rule 22-6 (p. 119) Reentering Improperly to Prevent a Goal and Rule 22-7 (p. 119) Reentering Improperly During the Last Minute: These two fouls are eliminated.

Rule 22-10 (p. 120) (New) (Replacement for the current Rule 22-10) Award of a Penalty Foul in the Last Minute: If in the last minute of the game or in the last minute of the second overtime period or at any time during sudden-victory overtime periods, a penalty throw is awarded to a team, the coach may elect to maintain possession of the ball in lieu of taking the penalty throw. The team will be awarded a free throw on or behind the half-distance line with a new possession clock and start play as after a timeout. Note: It is the responsibility of the coach to give a clear signal without delay if the team wishes to maintain possession of the ball in accordance with this rule. The coach must show the referee immediately by crossing arms in front of the chest to signal possession or show five fingers to request a penalty throw and signal the referee orally. The referee must take the ball from the pool before restarting play either with the penalty throw or by the team on offense restarting play by taking a free throw on or behind the half-distance line as after a timeout. Players may take any position in the pool
Rule 23-1 (p. 120) Penalty Throws: The penalty throw is taken from the 5-meter line.
Appendix A-18 (p. 125) (New) Priority of Corner Throw over Goal Throw: If one referee signals for a corner throw and the other referee signals for a goal throw, the corner throw shall be awarded.
Appendix A-19(p. 125) (New) Determining if Foul is Inside or Outside 5-Meter Line: The referee who calls a foul should determine if that foul is inside or outside the 5-meter line in order to determine whether a direct shot on goal can be taken.
Appendix B-G (p. 126) (New) Signal for Brutality: A figure showing arms crossed down over the lower abdomen will be used to signal brutality.
Appendix B-H (p. 126) Signal for Penalty Throw: The referee signals with five fingers.
Appendix B-AA: (p. 126) (New) Signal for Cap Number 20: To signal cap number 20, the referee shall use two clenched fists.