(WTAJ) — The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) is reinforcing its stance on sportsmanship by emphasizing stricter enforcement of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in high school basketball, including celebrations involving finger guns.

Officials have been directed to penalize taunting gestures such as mimicking the shooting of a bow, arrow, or firearm. Such actions have previously been penalized inconsistently, prompting PIAA to clarify the rules and recommend issuing technical fouls.

The association highlights that gestures directed at opponents should be treated more severely than general celebratory actions. Under NFHS Rule 10.4.6.c, taunting and baiting an opponent are unsportsmanlike technical fouls, resulting in two free throws and possession of the ball. In some cases, flagrant technical fouls may be issued, potentially leading to ejections.

The new rule also states that if a player sitting on the bench is called for mimicking a weapon, they will receive a technical foul, but it will be charged to the head coach. Once charged, the coach must remain seated for the remainder of the game, limiting their ability to actively manage their team from the sideline.

The PIAA is adopting the same stance as the NCAA, which penalizes any player simulating the act of shooting a gun as a personal foul. Coaches and officials are encouraged to discuss these rules before games to ensure consistent enforcement.

The PIAA advises referees to use discretion but warns that repeated violations could lead to further disciplinary action.

For more details on the updated enforcement, visit the PIAA’s 2024-25 Basketball Bulletin.