As written in the 2025-26 NFHS Basketball Rules Book:
Basket interference occurs when a player:
ART. 1 … Touches the ball or any part of the basket (including the net) while the ball is on or within the basket.
EXCEPTION: If touching the basket involves contact with the net only, the official must determine if the contact had an effect on the ball which would rise to the level of basket interference.
ART. 2 … Slaps or strikes the backboard causing the backboard or basket to vibrate while the ball is on or within the basket or is touching the backboard or within the cylinder.
ART. 3 … Touches the ball while any part of the ball is within the imaginary cylinder which has the basket ring as its lower base.
EXCEPTION: In Arts. 1 or 2, if a player has a hand legally in contact with the ball, it is not a violation if such contact with the ball continues after it enters the imaginary cylinder or if in such action, the player touches the basket. Dunking or stuffing is legal and is not basket interference.
ART. 4 … Touches the ball outside the cylinder while reaching through the basket from below.
ART. 5 … Pulls down a movable ring so that it contacts the ball before the ring returns to its original position.
4-6-1a & b (NEW): This rule change clarifies and expands the definition of basket interference to include additional actions that unfairly affect the ball while it is in a scoring position. Basket interference now occurs when a player slaps or strikes the backboard, causing the backboard or basket to vibrate, while the ball is on or within the basket, touching the backboard, or within the cylinder.
Rationale: This clarification helps officials consistently identify interference that affects scoring plays and ensures the integrity of the basket area during shot attempts.