NFHS 2023-24 Points of Emphasis

The NFHS Basketball Rules Committee has issued four points of emphasis (POE) for the 2023-24 season. They are not listed in priority order and are considered of equal importance:

Uniforms, Equipment and Apparel

This POE focuses on the need for not only officials, but for coaches and players, to know and understand the rules governing the legality of uniforms, equipment and apparel. An NFHS basketball uniform guide is available to illustrate proper uniform design and can be found on the NFHS website.

When a team requests to make an exception to rule 3-4 to promote a “themed” night, such as a Pink Out for breast cancer awareness or camouflage for military appreciation, it must be submitted to the state association before the event and receive approval. Uniform requirements may not be altered by mutual agreement between the schools or coaches.

Next, uniform bottoms do not have to match the torso of the uniform. A team could choose to wear red jerseys and blue uniform bottoms. However, rule 3-4-5 states the uniform bottoms must be like-colored among teammates. The bottom style may differ for every player, including shorts, skirts or pants. But the color must be similar. Also, the rolling and/ or tucking of uniform bottoms, which has become popular in recent years, is permissible so long as the compression tights or sleeves being worn are color compliant.

Undershirts, if worn, must be hemmed, shall not have frayed or ragged edges, and if they have sleeves, they must be the same length for a particular player. The home team should only be wearing white undershirts under white jerseys, while the visiting team may wear black or undershirts of a single solid color similar to the torso of the jersey. However, all team members must wear the same color.

Finally, arm sleeves, knee sleeves, lower leg sleeves, compression shorts and tights remain permissible. Anything worn on the arm or leg is

NFHS officials, coaches and players must understand the rules governing the legalities of uniforms, such as when a team may legally wear special “themed” night uniforms, such as a Pink Out for breast cancer awareness.