Basketball

2020-21 Basketball Rules Modifications

The following are the in-game “modifications” established by the GHSA during the 2020-21 basketball season. The modifications outlined in this document are designed to help decrease potential exposure to respiratory droplets by encouraging physical distancing, and limiting participation in administrative tasks to essential personnel and allowing for appropriate protective equipment.

1. Pregame Meeting Protocol

Pregame Protocol (2019-2020 NFHS Officials Manual, page 16, 1.8; NFHS Basketball Rule Book – 3-4-5)

Limit attendees to the referee and the head coach from each team with each coach standing on the outside of the center circle on each side of the division line.

All individuals maintain a social distance of 6 feet or greater at the center circle.

Suspend handshakes prior to and following the Pregame Conference.

2. Team Benches (1-13-1)

Social distancing should be practiced at all times.

Limit the number of bench personnel to observe physical distancing of 6 feet or greater.

Place team benches opposite the spectator seating if possible. If not, create separation of not less than 6-feet between the team bench and spectator seating behind the bench.

Additional chairs or rows may be added to allow bench personnel to observe social distancing of 6 feet or greater, not beyond the end-line or the coach’s box.

Create an additional team bench(s) behind the courtside bench to ensure social distancing.

Personnel not in the game should adhere to any required local/state face covering requirements while on the bench.

3. Officials Table (2-1-3)

The host should sanitize the table before the game and at halftime.

Place officials table sufficiently away from the sideline to allow for additional space for substitutes.

Limit seats at the official table to essential personnel which includes home team scorer and timer (shot clock operator if used) with a recommended distance of 6 feet or greater between individuals. Other personnel (visiting scorer, statisticians, media, etc.) should be located in an alternate location.

Table personnel should adhere to any required local/state face covering requirements.

4. Pre and Post Game Ceremony

Suspend the pregame introduction handshakes.

Suspend post game protocol of shaking hands. Teams shall line up along the free throw line near their respective bench area and nod/wave in a sportsmanship gesture.

Officials shall stand at the division line across from the benches during pregame introductions.

5. Basketball Rules Interpretations

Rule 4-1 EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES

Basketball

Ball given to officials in the locker room, where it is sanitized as recommended by the ball manufacturer and not used for warm-ups or at halftime.

The “host school” should have a back-up game ball ready for play should the game ball in use go out of play and is touched by a non-playing participant. At which time that ball would be sanitized before being put back into play.

The host school should ensure that the ball is sanitized during time-outs and between quarters. See the recommended sanitizing process by Wilson on the GHSA web site.

Sanitizer should be provided by the host team at the table.

Face coverings are permissible for players on the court during play.

Consider requiring coaching staff and other bench personnel to wear face coverings while physically spaced on the bench. (NOTE: GHSA – All bench personnel SHALL wear face coverings if physical spacing is not possible)

Rule 5-3 Officials Uniform and Equipment

Long-sleeved shirts are permissible. (5-1-3)

Officials shall not wear jackets during pre-game court/player observation.

Electronic whistles are permissible (supplies are limited).

Choose a whistle whose tone will carry inside.

Check the market for choices                            

Whistle coverings/pockets are required if using a standard whistle and no face covering.

Cloth face coverings and gaiters are permissible with no visible logo/wording.

Gloves are permissible.

Other Modifications

Throw-in

Official shall stand 6 feet or greater away from player making the throw-in and bounce the ball to that player on a front court throw-in.
Free Throw Administration

The lead official shall stand on the end line and bounce the ball to the free thrower.
Jump Ball

Eliminate the jump ball and award the ball to the visiting team to start the game with the first alternating possession for the throw in.
To start an overtime period, use a coin toss to determine which team is awarded the ball.

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GEORGIA BASKETBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEMBERS

GBCA Executive Board

PRESIDENT Allen Whitehart Milton Region 5-AAAAAAA

1st VICE PRESIDENT Jesse McMillan (GHSA) Norcross Region 7-AAAAAAA

2nd VICE PRESIDENT Joe Dix (GACA) Collins Hill Region 8-AAAAAAA

3rd VICE PRESIDENT Rory Welsh (NCAA) Langston Hughes Region 4-AAAAAA

4th VICE PRESIDENT Gene Durden (GACA) Buford Region 8-AAAAAA

5th VICE PRESIDENT Nichole Dixon (GHSA) Holy Innocents’ Region 5-A

NATIONAL REP Ryan Koudele (NABC, NHSBCA)

Secretary/Treasurer GACA Office GACA

GBCA Board of Directors

AAAAAAA (Boys) Scott Bracco Lambert Region 6-AAAAAAA

AAAAAA (Boys) Darrell Lockhart Valdosta Region 1-AAAAAA

AAAAA (Boys) Aaron Parr St Pius X Region 5-AAAAA

AAAA (Boys) Bakari Bryant Dougherty Region 1-AAAA

AAA (Boys) Sharman White Pace Academy Region 5-AAA

AA (Boys) Lenny Williams Woodville Tompkins Region 2-AA

A Public (Boys) Michael Brooker Lake Oconee Academy Region 8-A

A Private (Boys) Corry Black St Anne- Pacelli Region 4-A

AAAAAAA (Girls) Julie Connor Tift Region 1-AAAAAAA

AAAAAA (Girls) Cedric King Lovejoy Region 4-AAAAAA

AAAAAA (Girls) Tim Slater Lanier Region 8-AAAAAA

AAAAAA (Girls) Shon Thomaston Carrolton Region 5-AAAAAA

AAA (Girls) Leslie Cooper Burke County Region 4-AAA

AAAAA (Girls) Kathy Richie Walton Southwest Dekalb Region 5-AAAAA

AAA (Girls) Eric Herrick Dawson County Region 7-AAA

AAAAAAA (Girls) Dani Wright Archer Region 7-AAAAAAA

At Large (Admin) Eric Holland Rome Region 5-AAAAAA

At Large (Retired Coach) Chuck Miller