NFHS Basketball Exam Version 2 2026/2027 | Page 1 | Passing Score: 80%
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS
NFHS Basketball Exam
Version 2
Official Officials Certification 2026/2027
100 80% Every 2 Years
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Timing Rules & Clock Management Q1-Q20
Section 2 Free Throws & Bonus Situations Q21-Q40
Section 3 Out of Bounds & Throw-Ins Q41-Q60
Section 4 Player Conduct & Technical Fouls Q61-Q80
Section 5 Officiating Mechanics & Signal Interpretation Q81-Q100
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for NFHS Basketball Officials Certification
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 1 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Timing Rules & Clock Management | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V2 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 100
During the fourth quarter with 2:15 remaining, Team A scores a field goal. The timer fails to
stop the clock after the made basket. The officials notice the error during the next dead ball
with 1:58 showing on the clock. How should this timing mistake be corrected?
A. The clock should be reset to 2:15 and play resumed from that point
B. The clock should remain at 1:58 since the error was not recognized immediately
C. The referee may use definite knowledge to reset the clock to the correct time
D. A technical foul shall be charged to the timer for failing to stop the clock
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
When a timer fails to stop the clock after a made basket in the final two minutes, the referee may use
definite knowledge to correct the time. The officials had the correct time of 2:15 when the basket was
scored, so resetting to that time is the proper correction. Option C is a close second, but it refers to general
definite knowledge rather than the specific correction required in this scenario.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
With 35 seconds remaining in overtime, Team B requests a timeout while in possession of the
ball. This is Team B's third timeout of the overtime period. The coach wants an additional 30
seconds beyond the standard timeout length. How should the officials handle this request?
A. Grant the full timeout and allow the coach the extra time requested
B. Grant only a 30-second timeout since Team B has already used two full timeouts
C. Deny the timeout entirely because teams receive only two timeouts in overtime
D. Charge Team B with a technical foul for requesting extra time beyond what is permitted
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
In NFHS overtime, each team is entitled to one additional 60-second timeout. If a team has already used two
full timeouts in overtime, any remaining timeout is limited to 30 seconds. The official should grant the
30-second timeout. Option A is incorrect because the rules do not allow extending a timeout beyond its
designated length.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Timing Rules & Clock Management | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V2 2026/2027
Q3 Question 3 of 100
A jump ball is administered to start the game. The toss is legally tapped by both jumpers, and
the ball is then caught by A1 before it touches a non-jumper, the floor, a basket, or the
backboard. What is the correct ruling?
A. A violation on A1, Team B receives the ball for an alternating-possession throw-in
B. Legal play since both jumpers legally tapped the ball first
C. A re-jump shall be administered between the original jumpers
D. Team A retains possession because the initial tap was legal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
When a jumper catches the ball before it contacts a non-jumper, the floor, a basket, or the backboard, it is a
violation. However, since this was the opening toss and no team has established possession, a re-jump
between the original jumpers is required. Option A would apply if the alternating-possession procedure had
already been established.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
The scoreboard shows three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter when A1 releases a try
for goal. The horn sounds while the ball is in flight, and the ball enters the basket. The trail
official signals a good goal. The referee then checks with the timer, who states that the clock
was started late on the previous inbounds play. What is the proper procedure?
A. Count the basket and end the period since the horn had sounded
B. Count the basket, reset the clock to the correct time, and resume play
C. Disallow the basket because the period had officially ended when the horn sounded
D. Count the basket but allow the opponent one additional possession to ensure fairness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
When the timer acknowledges the clock was started late, the referee may use definite knowledge to correct
the time. If time should still remain, the basket counts and play resumes with the corrected time. Option A is
incorrect because if definite knowledge shows time remained, the period is not over.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Timing Rules & Clock Management | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V2 2026/2027
Q5 Question 5 of 100
Team A is trailing by three points with 12 seconds remaining. A1 is dribbling in the backcourt
when the trail official sounds the whistle for a five-second closely-guarded count violation.
Team A's coach argues that the defender was more than six feet away. The lead official had a
different angle and believes the count was justified. How should this be resolved?
A. The violation stands as called since the trail official has primary responsibility for this area
B. The officials should confer and reverse the call if the lead official had a better view
C. The violation is automatically waived because the two officials disagreed on the distance
D. A jump ball should be administered to resolve the conflicting observations
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The trail official has primary responsibility for the closely-guarded count in the backcourt and the call stands
as made. Officials do not automatically overrule each other simply because of differing angles. Option B
would only apply if the trail official determined independently that the call was incorrect after conferencing.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
During a timeout with 4:30 remaining in the second quarter, both teams return to the court.
The officials administer the ball to Team A for a throw-in. After the ball is touched inbounds,
the scorer sounds the horn and informs the officials that the clock operator forgot to start the
clock after the timeout. The referee determines that 22 seconds elapsed based on definite
knowledge. What should happen?
A. Play continues with the clock running since the ball is already live
B. The clock should be set to show that 22 seconds elapsed and play continues
C. The period should start over from the point of the timeout
D. Team A is awarded a technical foul against the timer for the error
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
When the clock operator fails to start the clock and the referee has definite knowledge of elapsed time, the
clock shall be corrected to reflect the proper time. Play then continues normally. Option A is incorrect
because the referee has an obligation to correct timing errors when definite knowledge exists.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4 of 52
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS
NFHS Basketball Exam
Version 2
Official Officials Certification 2026/2027
100 80% Every 2 Years
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Timing Rules & Clock Management Q1-Q20
Section 2 Free Throws & Bonus Situations Q21-Q40
Section 3 Out of Bounds & Throw-Ins Q41-Q60
Section 4 Player Conduct & Technical Fouls Q61-Q80
Section 5 Officiating Mechanics & Signal Interpretation Q81-Q100
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for NFHS Basketball Officials Certification
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 1 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Timing Rules & Clock Management | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V2 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 100
During the fourth quarter with 2:15 remaining, Team A scores a field goal. The timer fails to
stop the clock after the made basket. The officials notice the error during the next dead ball
with 1:58 showing on the clock. How should this timing mistake be corrected?
A. The clock should be reset to 2:15 and play resumed from that point
B. The clock should remain at 1:58 since the error was not recognized immediately
C. The referee may use definite knowledge to reset the clock to the correct time
D. A technical foul shall be charged to the timer for failing to stop the clock
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
When a timer fails to stop the clock after a made basket in the final two minutes, the referee may use
definite knowledge to correct the time. The officials had the correct time of 2:15 when the basket was
scored, so resetting to that time is the proper correction. Option C is a close second, but it refers to general
definite knowledge rather than the specific correction required in this scenario.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
With 35 seconds remaining in overtime, Team B requests a timeout while in possession of the
ball. This is Team B's third timeout of the overtime period. The coach wants an additional 30
seconds beyond the standard timeout length. How should the officials handle this request?
A. Grant the full timeout and allow the coach the extra time requested
B. Grant only a 30-second timeout since Team B has already used two full timeouts
C. Deny the timeout entirely because teams receive only two timeouts in overtime
D. Charge Team B with a technical foul for requesting extra time beyond what is permitted
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
In NFHS overtime, each team is entitled to one additional 60-second timeout. If a team has already used two
full timeouts in overtime, any remaining timeout is limited to 30 seconds. The official should grant the
30-second timeout. Option A is incorrect because the rules do not allow extending a timeout beyond its
designated length.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Timing Rules & Clock Management | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V2 2026/2027
Q3 Question 3 of 100
A jump ball is administered to start the game. The toss is legally tapped by both jumpers, and
the ball is then caught by A1 before it touches a non-jumper, the floor, a basket, or the
backboard. What is the correct ruling?
A. A violation on A1, Team B receives the ball for an alternating-possession throw-in
B. Legal play since both jumpers legally tapped the ball first
C. A re-jump shall be administered between the original jumpers
D. Team A retains possession because the initial tap was legal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
When a jumper catches the ball before it contacts a non-jumper, the floor, a basket, or the backboard, it is a
violation. However, since this was the opening toss and no team has established possession, a re-jump
between the original jumpers is required. Option A would apply if the alternating-possession procedure had
already been established.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
The scoreboard shows three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter when A1 releases a try
for goal. The horn sounds while the ball is in flight, and the ball enters the basket. The trail
official signals a good goal. The referee then checks with the timer, who states that the clock
was started late on the previous inbounds play. What is the proper procedure?
A. Count the basket and end the period since the horn had sounded
B. Count the basket, reset the clock to the correct time, and resume play
C. Disallow the basket because the period had officially ended when the horn sounded
D. Count the basket but allow the opponent one additional possession to ensure fairness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
When the timer acknowledges the clock was started late, the referee may use definite knowledge to correct
the time. If time should still remain, the basket counts and play resumes with the corrected time. Option A is
incorrect because if definite knowledge shows time remained, the period is not over.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3 of 52
, SECTION 1 | Timing Rules & Clock Management | Q1-Q20 | NFHS Basketball V2 2026/2027
Q5 Question 5 of 100
Team A is trailing by three points with 12 seconds remaining. A1 is dribbling in the backcourt
when the trail official sounds the whistle for a five-second closely-guarded count violation.
Team A's coach argues that the defender was more than six feet away. The lead official had a
different angle and believes the count was justified. How should this be resolved?
A. The violation stands as called since the trail official has primary responsibility for this area
B. The officials should confer and reverse the call if the lead official had a better view
C. The violation is automatically waived because the two officials disagreed on the distance
D. A jump ball should be administered to resolve the conflicting observations
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The trail official has primary responsibility for the closely-guarded count in the backcourt and the call stands
as made. Officials do not automatically overrule each other simply because of differing angles. Option B
would only apply if the trail official determined independently that the call was incorrect after conferencing.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
During a timeout with 4:30 remaining in the second quarter, both teams return to the court.
The officials administer the ball to Team A for a throw-in. After the ball is touched inbounds,
the scorer sounds the horn and informs the officials that the clock operator forgot to start the
clock after the timeout. The referee determines that 22 seconds elapsed based on definite
knowledge. What should happen?
A. Play continues with the clock running since the ball is already live
B. The clock should be set to show that 22 seconds elapsed and play continues
C. The period should start over from the point of the timeout
D. Team A is awarded a technical foul against the timer for the error
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
When the clock operator fails to start the clock and the referee has definite knowledge of elapsed time, the
clock shall be corrected to reflect the proper time. Play then continues normally. Option A is incorrect
because the referee has an obligation to correct timing errors when definite knowledge exists.
NFHS Basketball Exam Version 2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4 of 52
