Colorado University Athletics
Referee Check: Rule Changes To Note In NCAA Women's Basketball
November 12, 2015 | Women's Basketball
BOULDER--Attending a University of Colorado women's basketball game will look just a bit different this year, due to multiple NCAA rule changes.
“Change is never easy, but I think it's necessary to continue to grow the game of women's basketball,” said Colorado head coach Linda Lappe. “All the additional rules make it tough for fans to keep up with but, in the long run, the new rules will enhance the flow of the game."
The 'big five' are highlighted in video, but there are a few more on the list. Here is your complete guide to the differences Buffs fans will see on the court this year:
Quarters and Timeouts
As a fan, get used to counting down from 10 rather than 20. The women will play four quarters per game rather than two halves. Because of the quarter system, there is now a media timeout scheduled at the halfway point of every quarter (at or under the five-minute mark), rather than four per half.
As far as regular timeouts, each team is allowed three 30-second timeouts, and one 60 second. One additional 30-second timeout is allowed with each overtime period. Up to three timeouts may carry over to the second half, which is one less than allowed last year.
Late Game Advance
Late-game advance did not exist last year, but in 2015-16, a team may call a timeout and advance the ball to the 28-foot line in their frontcourt during the last 59.9 seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime period. This may happen once a team gains possession, IF they do not advance the ball by pass or dribble.
Free Throws
In the past, the seventh team foul warranted a one-and-one free throw attempt, and two shots were awarded after the 10th team foul. This year, two free throws will be shot on the fifth team foul in each quarter, and team fouls reset each quarter.
10-second Backcourt
The rule here is essentially the same, although the 10-second count will not reset when a ball is deflected out of bounds or a jump ball is called. Otherwise, the count stands.
Post Defense
With this rule change, specifics count. In the past, two points of contact were allowed on the offensive opponent's back, but now those defending the post may place a forearm or open hand, with bent elbow, on the post's back.
