IHSA BASKETBALL EXAM: (LATEST
2026/2027 UPDATE) QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS | GRADE A | 100% CORRECT
IHSA BASKETBALL
IHSA Basketball Exam – Questions 1–100 (2026/2027 Update)
1. Which of the following statements is true regarding the specifications of a
legal basketball?
A. It shall have a smooth leather surface without any panels
B. It shall have a deeply pebbled granulated surface with vertical shaped panels
bonded on the rubber carcass
C. It shall weigh more than 30 ounces
D. It shall be made entirely of synthetic material without rubber
Answer: B
Rationale: A legal basketball must have a deeply pebbled granulated surface to
provide grip for players during dribbling and shooting. The vertical shaped panels
allow better control and predictability of the ball’s bounce. The rubber carcass ensures
durability and consistent performance across different indoor and outdoor courts.
2. Which statement regarding jump ball administration is correct?
A. Only one jumper needs to be inside the restraining circle
B. Each jumper is required to have both feet inside their half of the restraining circle
C. Jump balls can be started with one foot outside the circle
D. Jumpers may leave the circle before the ball is tossed
Answer: B
Rationale: In a jump ball, both players must have both feet inside their half of the
circle to ensure fairness and avoid early movement that can give one player an
advantage. This is consistent with IHSA rules emphasizing proper positioning for safety
and competitive integrity.
3. Which of the following statements regarding protective face masks is
true?
,A. Masks are optional and may be worn for any reason
B. Masks must be soft and flexible
C. Masks must be worn for medical reasons and made of hard material
D. Masks are prohibited under all circumstances
Answer: C
Rationale: Protective face masks are only approved if worn for medical reasons and
must be made of hard material to adequately protect injured areas while preventing
injuries to other players. Safety is a priority, and soft masks do not provide sufficient
protection.
4. The ball becomes dead, or remains dead when:
A. A player is fouled during a shot attempt
B. A mask must be worn for medical reasons
C. Both A and B
D. The ball goes out of bounds
Answer: C
Rationale: The ball becomes dead when play is interrupted by a foul, a mask
requirement, or other stoppages as defined in the IHSA rulebook. These rules ensure
player safety and fair administration of the game.
5. Which of the following have been approved for wear by officials during
high school basketball games?
A. A red and white striped shirt
B. Only a black and white shirt that does not have the larger black panel on the side,
similar to the accepted officials jersey worn at the collegiate level
C. A black polo shirt with white stripes
D. Any shirt approved by the school
Answer: B
Rationale: IHSA officials are required to wear the standard black and white referee
shirt to ensure uniformity, authority, and easy identification on the court. Deviations
from the approved uniform are not allowed during official games.
6. Substitute A1 enters the game to replace A2 before the final free throw
attempt by B1. Coach of team A realizes he didn't want A2 out of the game.
He immediately sends A2 to the scorer's table to re-enter. A2 may re-enter:
A. Immediately before the clock starts
B. Only after the clock has been properly started
, C. During the free throw attempt
D. After the next timeout
Answer: B
Rationale: Players cannot re-enter until the ball is live, which occurs after the clock
has properly started. This prevents confusion and maintains game integrity during
substitutions.
7. The officials discover blood on A1's jersey and a bleeding cut on B1. What
is the correct procedure?
A. Allow play to continue
B. Have the players wipe the blood and continue
C. Remove the players from the game until the bleeding is controlled and clothing is
replaced
D. Only stop play if the bleeding is severe
Answer: C
Rationale: IHSA rules prioritize safety; any visible blood requires immediate stoppage
of play until the bleeding is controlled, and contaminated clothing is replaced to
prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
8. Which of the following statements is true?
A. Players with long fingernails may play if they are careful
B. As a safety concern, a player with long fingernails may not be allowed to play
C. Fingernails are not considered for safety
D. Only referees with discretion may enforce fingernail rules
Answer: B
Rationale: Long fingernails pose a risk of injury to other players during contact, such
as rebounds or screens. Officials have the authority to prohibit participation to
maintain safety on the court.
9. By definition, the distance to measure when establishing whether an
offensive player is being closely guarded is:
A. From the defender’s shoulder to the ball handler
B. From the forward foot/feet of the defender to the forward foot/feet of the ball
handler
C. From the center of the defender to the center of the offensive player
D. From any part of the defender’s body to the offensive player
2026/2027 UPDATE) QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS | GRADE A | 100% CORRECT
IHSA BASKETBALL
IHSA Basketball Exam – Questions 1–100 (2026/2027 Update)
1. Which of the following statements is true regarding the specifications of a
legal basketball?
A. It shall have a smooth leather surface without any panels
B. It shall have a deeply pebbled granulated surface with vertical shaped panels
bonded on the rubber carcass
C. It shall weigh more than 30 ounces
D. It shall be made entirely of synthetic material without rubber
Answer: B
Rationale: A legal basketball must have a deeply pebbled granulated surface to
provide grip for players during dribbling and shooting. The vertical shaped panels
allow better control and predictability of the ball’s bounce. The rubber carcass ensures
durability and consistent performance across different indoor and outdoor courts.
2. Which statement regarding jump ball administration is correct?
A. Only one jumper needs to be inside the restraining circle
B. Each jumper is required to have both feet inside their half of the restraining circle
C. Jump balls can be started with one foot outside the circle
D. Jumpers may leave the circle before the ball is tossed
Answer: B
Rationale: In a jump ball, both players must have both feet inside their half of the
circle to ensure fairness and avoid early movement that can give one player an
advantage. This is consistent with IHSA rules emphasizing proper positioning for safety
and competitive integrity.
3. Which of the following statements regarding protective face masks is
true?
,A. Masks are optional and may be worn for any reason
B. Masks must be soft and flexible
C. Masks must be worn for medical reasons and made of hard material
D. Masks are prohibited under all circumstances
Answer: C
Rationale: Protective face masks are only approved if worn for medical reasons and
must be made of hard material to adequately protect injured areas while preventing
injuries to other players. Safety is a priority, and soft masks do not provide sufficient
protection.
4. The ball becomes dead, or remains dead when:
A. A player is fouled during a shot attempt
B. A mask must be worn for medical reasons
C. Both A and B
D. The ball goes out of bounds
Answer: C
Rationale: The ball becomes dead when play is interrupted by a foul, a mask
requirement, or other stoppages as defined in the IHSA rulebook. These rules ensure
player safety and fair administration of the game.
5. Which of the following have been approved for wear by officials during
high school basketball games?
A. A red and white striped shirt
B. Only a black and white shirt that does not have the larger black panel on the side,
similar to the accepted officials jersey worn at the collegiate level
C. A black polo shirt with white stripes
D. Any shirt approved by the school
Answer: B
Rationale: IHSA officials are required to wear the standard black and white referee
shirt to ensure uniformity, authority, and easy identification on the court. Deviations
from the approved uniform are not allowed during official games.
6. Substitute A1 enters the game to replace A2 before the final free throw
attempt by B1. Coach of team A realizes he didn't want A2 out of the game.
He immediately sends A2 to the scorer's table to re-enter. A2 may re-enter:
A. Immediately before the clock starts
B. Only after the clock has been properly started
, C. During the free throw attempt
D. After the next timeout
Answer: B
Rationale: Players cannot re-enter until the ball is live, which occurs after the clock
has properly started. This prevents confusion and maintains game integrity during
substitutions.
7. The officials discover blood on A1's jersey and a bleeding cut on B1. What
is the correct procedure?
A. Allow play to continue
B. Have the players wipe the blood and continue
C. Remove the players from the game until the bleeding is controlled and clothing is
replaced
D. Only stop play if the bleeding is severe
Answer: C
Rationale: IHSA rules prioritize safety; any visible blood requires immediate stoppage
of play until the bleeding is controlled, and contaminated clothing is replaced to
prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
8. Which of the following statements is true?
A. Players with long fingernails may play if they are careful
B. As a safety concern, a player with long fingernails may not be allowed to play
C. Fingernails are not considered for safety
D. Only referees with discretion may enforce fingernail rules
Answer: B
Rationale: Long fingernails pose a risk of injury to other players during contact, such
as rebounds or screens. Officials have the authority to prohibit participation to
maintain safety on the court.
9. By definition, the distance to measure when establishing whether an
offensive player is being closely guarded is:
A. From the defender’s shoulder to the ball handler
B. From the forward foot/feet of the defender to the forward foot/feet of the ball
handler
C. From the center of the defender to the center of the offensive player
D. From any part of the defender’s body to the offensive player
