PIAA is implementing stricter unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in Pennsylvania high school basketball.
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) is invoking stricter enforcement of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in high school basketball.
The PIAA is adopting the same stance as the NCAA, which penalizes players simulating the act of shooting a gun as a personal foul. The rule has been instituted in an effort to encourage respectful behavior and good sportsmanship from players.
Officials have been instructed to penalize gestures that mimic shooting a bow, arrow, or firearm. The new rule is effective immediately.
Under NFHS Rule 10.4.6.c, taunting and baiting an opponent are unsportsmanlike technical fouls, which result in two free throws and possession of the ball. The new rule states that a player sitting on the bench partaking in such gestures will receive a technical foul, but it will be charged to the head coach. Once charged, the coach must remain seated for the remainder of the game.
Referees have been advised by the PIAA to use discretion but warned that repeated violations could lead to disciplinary action. The rule is meant to curb actions that could influence other players to adopt similar behaviors, which could be penalized at an even higher level later in their basketball careers.
The longest-tenured active high school basketball coach in the region, Danny Holzer, is head coach at Upper St. Clair.
He said in a recent interview, “I think we’ve gotten so far away from that, and it’s becoming dangerous.” He continued, “We have some kids that if they make a three-point shot, they’ll put up three fingers in the air. Just up in a three, which OK, that’s fine, but now it’s interpretation. Do they think that’s a firearm or is that some type of weapon?”
Holzer said that fans should “Cheer for your team and cheer their moments. If the other team doesn’t make a good play or something like that, cheer – but do not get into the personal.”
