Backboard LED strip rules for NCAA Basketball

A memo was recently sent out to NCAA teams that addressed the rules for the Red Light (IE globe) and LED light strips mounted behind the backboard. The following is from NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee and the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Committee.

It has come to the attention of both the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Rules Committees that there are several institutions whose shot clock and the red/LED lights on the backboard are synchronized, which is in violation of Rules 1-18.4, 1-19.4 and 2-10.14, as the red/LED lights on the backboard activate when the shot clock expires. By rule, the red/LED lights on the backboard shall only activate at the expiration of playing time in any period.

To confirm operation of your backboard lights, follow the steps below:

1. Press MANUAL HORN. Did Red/LED lights on backboard illuminate?
   1. If yes, follow the steps to resolve in the next section.
   2. If no, continue with the confirmation.
2. Set game clock to 0:30.
3. Set shot clock to 0:05.
4. Set shot clock to START position.
5. Start game clock.
6. After 5 seconds, did Red/LED lights on backboard illuminate?
   1. If yes, follow the steps to resolve in the next section.
   2. If no, continue with the confirmation.
7. After 30 seconds, did Red/LED lights on backboard illuminate and stay on until 0:30 entered into game clock?
   1. If yes, follow the steps to resolve in the next section.
   2. If no, your system should be compliant.

Note:  LED light strips are installed around the face of the clear shot clocks. Also, some models may have an indicator in the face of the shot clock. A different rule and expected operation apply to both of these.

To resolve:

The settings vary depending on your model of shot clock and light strips.  As a general rule, the NCAA settings for light strips should be as follows:

OFF – GAME HORN
OFF – SHOT HORN
OFF – GAME STOP
ON – GAME CLK = 0

This knowledge base article describes how to resolve your relay settings for most systems. How to set the backboard LED strip to light when the shot clock runs out and end of period (EOP).

If you would like assistance with changing your settings, login to MySupport today and request assistance. Don’t have an account? Create an account today and start handling your service quickly and easily.