College basketball rule changes up for debate: Six fouls, quasi-quarters, reducing timeouts and more
The scoop on the 13 potential rule changes up for discussion, and why traditional quarters aren't happening any time soon
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The NCAA men's basketball rules committee is convening over the next three days in Indianapolis to review 13 possible rule changes. A few are expected to be formally recommended by week's end, and if they officially pass in June, said rules would be on the books for next season.
Likely to be recommended
- Laptops, tablets allowed on the bench for coaching purposes only
- Tweak traveling interpretation to universally allow players to Euro step, use spin moves and step-backs
Unlikely to be recommended
- Widening the lane to 16 feet (currently 12 feet)
- Award possession to defense after a held-ball
- Eliminate 10-second backcourt rule
- Allow offensive team to decline free throws in final two minutes and overtime(s); opt for inbound instead
- Eliminate five-second closely guarded rule
- Allow instant replay on shot-clock violation in final two minutes/overtime on a missed shot
- Allow instant replay on basket interference/goaltending calls -- but only if/after an official calls the violation
Potential for two-year NIT trial period
- Two-timeout limit per team with under two minutes in regulation and throughout overtime(s)
- Eliminate offensive basket interference and use FIBA rule instead: ball is always live after it makes contact with the rim
Big debates await
- Introduce quasi quarters by resetting team fouls at 10-minute mark of each half. Begin double bonus on fifth foul within each 10-minute segment. This eliminates the one-and-one free throw
- Modified six-foul rule: player is allowed three fouls per half (would be disqualified if they committed four fouls in a half). However, a player can commit two or three first-half fouls and have as many four or three more to use for the remainder of the game, allowing for six total
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