NBA Board of Governors Approves Shot Clock, Clear Path Foul Rule Changes

The NBA Board of Governors approved rule changes for the 2018-19 season, including a reset of the shot clock to 14 seconds following an offensive rebound, the league announced Friday.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN first reported the changes and noted the alterations will also feature a simplification of clear-path foul rule when an offensive player is ahead of defenders on a fast break and an expansion of how the "hostile act" guidelines will be used for purposes of video replay reviews.

Woj highlighted further modifications that passed through the board vote:

Teams previously received a complete shot-clock reset to 24 seconds on an offensive rebound. The 10-second reduction will have the biggest impact in late-game situations where teams in the lead who grabbed a board on offense could shed a significant portion of the clock.

The NBA's release noted the rule had previously been used by FIBA, the WNBA and the G League before receiving Board of Governors approval.

Meanwhile, the clear-path changes eliminate most of the judgment calls made by referees to determine the exact placement between the offensive player, defensive player and the rim throughout the duration of the play before the foul.

The new rule is based solely on whether the player in control of the ball is ahead of the final defender, has a transition scoring opportunity and the foul prevents that chance to score.

Finally, the "Hostile Act" standards have been expanded to give referees greater freedom to use replay to determine whether punishment should be given to players or coaches for physical encounters, according to the NBA's release.

The new rules will be in place when the NBA kicks off the preseason Sept. 28 and the regular season Oct. 16.