NFHS Basketball Exam Version 3 2026/2027 | Page 1 | Passing Score: 80%
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS
NFHS Basketball Exam
Version 3
Official Officials Certification 2026/2027
100 80% Every 2 Years
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Equipment & Court Specifications Q1-Q20
Section 2 Jump Balls & Alternating Possession Q21-Q40
Section 3 Screening & Illegal Contact Q41-Q60
Section 4 Backcourt & Frontcourt Violations Q61-Q80
Section 5 Overtime, Mercy Rules & Tournament Play Q81-Q100
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for NFHS Basketball Officials Certification
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 3 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 1 of 53
, SECTION 1 | Equipment & Court Specifications | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V3 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 100
During pregame inspection, the referee measures the basketball and finds its circumference
to be 28.5 inches. The home team coach insists this ball is legal for the varsity girls game.
The referee must determine whether this ball meets NFHS specifications.
A. The ball is legal because NFHS rules permit a 28.5-inch ball for girls competition
B. The ball is illegal because NFHS rules require a 29.5-inch ball for all high school games
C. The ball is legal only if both coaches agree to use it instead of a larger ball
D. The ball is illegal because the minimum circumference for any NFHS game is 30 inches
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
NFHS rules specify that a 28.5-inch circumference ball is legal for girls competition, while a 29.5-inch ball is
required for boys competition. The referee should confirm the ball meets the appropriate specification for the
game being played. The larger 29.5-inch ball is not required for girls games.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
A player reports to the scorer's table wearing a jersey with the number 00. The opposing
coach objects, claiming that double-zero is not a legal number under NFHS rules. The official
must decide whether to allow the player to participate with this jersey number.
A. The number 00 is legal under NFHS rules as it is distinct from 0 and both may be used on the
same team
B. The number 00 is illegal because NFHS rules only permit single-digit or double-digit numbers
without leading zeros
C. The number 00 is legal only if no other player on the team wears number 0
D. The number 00 is illegal because jersey numbers must be between 1 and 99 inclusive
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Under NFHS rules, 0 and 00 are both legal and distinct jersey numbers, and both may appear on the same
team roster. The rules permit these numbers alongside standard 1-99 designations. Leading zeros are not
permitted on other numbers, but 00 is specifically treated as its own distinct number.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 3 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2 of 53
, SECTION 1 | Equipment & Court Specifications | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V3 2026/2027
Q3 Question 3 of 100
During warmups, the visiting team notices the free-throw lane is painted 12 feet wide, but their
home court uses a 16-foot wide lane. The visiting coach asks the referee which lane
dimension is correct under NFHS rules for the current season.
A. The 12-foot lane is correct because NFHS adopted the international FIBA lane width starting in
2023-24
B. The 16-foot lane is correct because NFHS has maintained the traditional 12-foot by 19-foot lane
markings
C. Neither dimension is correct because NFHS rules specify an 18-foot wide free-throw lane
D. Both dimensions are acceptable because NFHS allows states to choose between 12-foot and
16-foot lanes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The NFHS adopted the 12-foot wide free-throw lane effective with the 2023-24 season, aligning with the
international FIBA standard. The previous 16-foot wide lane (which was actually 12 feet in NFHS before
2023) was replaced. States were given a transition period but the 12-foot width is the current standard.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
A player enters the game wearing a headband that is 3 inches wide and has a manufacturer's
logo centered on the front. The official must determine if this headwear complies with NFHS
equipment rules.
A. The headband is legal because NFHS permits headbands up to 4 inches wide with a single
logo
B. The headband is illegal because NFHS rules limit headbands to a maximum of 2 inches in width
C. The headband is illegal because any manufacturer logo on a headband is prohibited entirely
D. The headband is legal only if the logo matches the team jersey manufacturer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
NFHS rules permit headbands that are a maximum of 4 inches wide and allow a single manufacturer's logo
no larger than 2.25 square inches. The 3-inch wide headband with a centered logo meets both
requirements. The logo does not need to match the jersey manufacturer.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 3 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3 of 53
, SECTION 1 | Equipment & Court Specifications | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V3 2026/2027
Q5 Question 5 of 100
The referee observes that the 3-point arc is measured at 19 feet 9 inches from the center of
the basket. The home coach claims this measurement is outdated and requests the arc be
extended. The official must rule on the correct NFHS 3-point line distance.
A. The correct distance is 19 feet 9 inches and the current arc measurement is legal under NFHS
rules
B. The correct distance is 22 feet and the current arc must be repainted before the game can
proceed
C. The correct distance is 20 feet 9 inches and the current arc is one foot too short
D. NFHS eliminated the 3-point line entirely beginning with the 2025-26 season
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The NFHS 3-point line distance remains at 19 feet 9 inches from the center of the basket to the outside edge
of the line. This measurement has been the standard since the 3-point arc was adopted by NFHS. States
may not modify this distance for regular season play.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
During the pregame conference, the referee discovers that the center restraining circle has a
diameter of 4 feet. The visiting coach questions whether this circle meets the NFHS required
dimensions for the jump ball.
A. The circle is illegal because NFHS rules require the center restraining circle to have a 6-foot
diameter
B. The circle is legal because NFHS permits any diameter between 4 feet and 8 feet for the center
circle
C. The circle is illegal because NFHS requires the center circle to have a 12-foot diameter
D. The circle is legal because NFHS eliminated the center circle requirement in 2023
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
NFHS rules specify that the center restraining circle must have a 6-foot diameter (3-foot radius). A 4-foot
diameter circle does not meet this requirement. The referee should notify game management of the incorrect
marking, though the game may still be played if the circle is properly adjusted or noted.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 3 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4 of 53
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS
NFHS Basketball Exam
Version 3
Official Officials Certification 2026/2027
100 80% Every 2 Years
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Equipment & Court Specifications Q1-Q20
Section 2 Jump Balls & Alternating Possession Q21-Q40
Section 3 Screening & Illegal Contact Q41-Q60
Section 4 Backcourt & Frontcourt Violations Q61-Q80
Section 5 Overtime, Mercy Rules & Tournament Play Q81-Q100
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for NFHS Basketball Officials Certification
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 3 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 1 of 53
, SECTION 1 | Equipment & Court Specifications | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V3 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 100
During pregame inspection, the referee measures the basketball and finds its circumference
to be 28.5 inches. The home team coach insists this ball is legal for the varsity girls game.
The referee must determine whether this ball meets NFHS specifications.
A. The ball is legal because NFHS rules permit a 28.5-inch ball for girls competition
B. The ball is illegal because NFHS rules require a 29.5-inch ball for all high school games
C. The ball is legal only if both coaches agree to use it instead of a larger ball
D. The ball is illegal because the minimum circumference for any NFHS game is 30 inches
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
NFHS rules specify that a 28.5-inch circumference ball is legal for girls competition, while a 29.5-inch ball is
required for boys competition. The referee should confirm the ball meets the appropriate specification for the
game being played. The larger 29.5-inch ball is not required for girls games.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
A player reports to the scorer's table wearing a jersey with the number 00. The opposing
coach objects, claiming that double-zero is not a legal number under NFHS rules. The official
must decide whether to allow the player to participate with this jersey number.
A. The number 00 is legal under NFHS rules as it is distinct from 0 and both may be used on the
same team
B. The number 00 is illegal because NFHS rules only permit single-digit or double-digit numbers
without leading zeros
C. The number 00 is legal only if no other player on the team wears number 0
D. The number 00 is illegal because jersey numbers must be between 1 and 99 inclusive
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Under NFHS rules, 0 and 00 are both legal and distinct jersey numbers, and both may appear on the same
team roster. The rules permit these numbers alongside standard 1-99 designations. Leading zeros are not
permitted on other numbers, but 00 is specifically treated as its own distinct number.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 3 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2 of 53
, SECTION 1 | Equipment & Court Specifications | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V3 2026/2027
Q3 Question 3 of 100
During warmups, the visiting team notices the free-throw lane is painted 12 feet wide, but their
home court uses a 16-foot wide lane. The visiting coach asks the referee which lane
dimension is correct under NFHS rules for the current season.
A. The 12-foot lane is correct because NFHS adopted the international FIBA lane width starting in
2023-24
B. The 16-foot lane is correct because NFHS has maintained the traditional 12-foot by 19-foot lane
markings
C. Neither dimension is correct because NFHS rules specify an 18-foot wide free-throw lane
D. Both dimensions are acceptable because NFHS allows states to choose between 12-foot and
16-foot lanes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The NFHS adopted the 12-foot wide free-throw lane effective with the 2023-24 season, aligning with the
international FIBA standard. The previous 16-foot wide lane (which was actually 12 feet in NFHS before
2023) was replaced. States were given a transition period but the 12-foot width is the current standard.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
A player enters the game wearing a headband that is 3 inches wide and has a manufacturer's
logo centered on the front. The official must determine if this headwear complies with NFHS
equipment rules.
A. The headband is legal because NFHS permits headbands up to 4 inches wide with a single
logo
B. The headband is illegal because NFHS rules limit headbands to a maximum of 2 inches in width
C. The headband is illegal because any manufacturer logo on a headband is prohibited entirely
D. The headband is legal only if the logo matches the team jersey manufacturer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
NFHS rules permit headbands that are a maximum of 4 inches wide and allow a single manufacturer's logo
no larger than 2.25 square inches. The 3-inch wide headband with a centered logo meets both
requirements. The logo does not need to match the jersey manufacturer.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 3 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3 of 53
, SECTION 1 | Equipment & Court Specifications | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V3 2026/2027
Q5 Question 5 of 100
The referee observes that the 3-point arc is measured at 19 feet 9 inches from the center of
the basket. The home coach claims this measurement is outdated and requests the arc be
extended. The official must rule on the correct NFHS 3-point line distance.
A. The correct distance is 19 feet 9 inches and the current arc measurement is legal under NFHS
rules
B. The correct distance is 22 feet and the current arc must be repainted before the game can
proceed
C. The correct distance is 20 feet 9 inches and the current arc is one foot too short
D. NFHS eliminated the 3-point line entirely beginning with the 2025-26 season
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The NFHS 3-point line distance remains at 19 feet 9 inches from the center of the basket to the outside edge
of the line. This measurement has been the standard since the 3-point arc was adopted by NFHS. States
may not modify this distance for regular season play.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
During the pregame conference, the referee discovers that the center restraining circle has a
diameter of 4 feet. The visiting coach questions whether this circle meets the NFHS required
dimensions for the jump ball.
A. The circle is illegal because NFHS rules require the center restraining circle to have a 6-foot
diameter
B. The circle is legal because NFHS permits any diameter between 4 feet and 8 feet for the center
circle
C. The circle is illegal because NFHS requires the center circle to have a 12-foot diameter
D. The circle is legal because NFHS eliminated the center circle requirement in 2023
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
NFHS rules specify that the center restraining circle must have a 6-foot diameter (3-foot radius). A 4-foot
diameter circle does not meet this requirement. The referee should notify game management of the incorrect
marking, though the game may still be played if the circle is properly adjusted or noted.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 3 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4 of 53
