Rule 8: FREE THROW

BALL AT THE DISPOSAL

The ball shall be bounced to the free thrower or it shall be placed on the floor at the free throw line

The 10 Second Count

The 10-second count shall begin once the ball is at the disposal of the free thrower

The try for goal shall be made within 10 seconds after the ball has been placed at the disposal of the free thrower at the free throw line. This shall apply to each free throw.

The 10-second count is a visible count, but it is a “wrist flick” not a full arm swing. Use the hand which is closest to the division line

The outside official who is opposite the table is responsible for the visible count

Resuming Play after a Time Out

Resuming play procedure can only be used following a time-out

Either/both teams may be charged with a violation during procedure

Administrating official sounds whistle to indicate play will resume

If free-thrower is in semi-circle, the ball is bounced to the free thrower, whether or not Team B is occupying their required lower lane spaces

If Team B is not occupying the lower lane spaces and Team A’s free throw is successful, there has been no violation. However, if the free throw was unsuccessful, a VIOLATION shall be called on Team B, thus allowing a substitute free throw

Once either team violates, any further delay by that team(s) is a technical foul

If the free thrower is NOT in semi-circle, the administering official shall place the ball on the floor at the free throw line and the 10 sec. Count shall begin

Resuming Play after a Time Out

Once the ball is at the disposal of the free thrower… “no player shall enter or leave a marked lane space or enter or leave the free throw semi-circle” (Clarification)

If This occurs, a violation shall be called. The only way for Team A to avoid a violation in this situation, is to request and be granted a time-out. If Team A does NOT receive a time-out and the 10 sec. count is reached, Team A has violated and so has Team B, IF they were not occupying their required lower lane spaces (double violations)

Position of Players When Lane Spaces May Be

Occupied During a free throw all players will move up one marked

lane space, leaving the two spaces closest to the end line vacant. A new mark two inches by eight inches must re-applied to the lane line near the free throw line to designate the last three foot marked lane space.

One opponent of the free thrower shall occupy each of the lane spaces adjacent to the end line. The rules book states, “…unless the resuming play procedure is in effect.” This allows the official to resume play without allowing Team B to delay the game.

The lane space adjacent to the end line shall be referred to as lane space #1 and shall never be occupied by a teammate of the free thrower.

The next lane space is #2. This space may be occupied by a teammate of the free thrower. If Team A desires not to occupy lane space #2 on each or either side… Team B is allowed to occupy that space.

The opponent of the free thrower may occupy lane space #3. If team B desires not to occupy lane space #3 on each/either side, Team A is allowed to occupy that space.

Maximum DEFENSIVE = 4, Maximum OFFENSE = 2

If Team B has only three players along the lane, Max for Team A is still 2

Each lane space is 3 feet square!!!

Position of Players When Lane Spaces May Be Occupied

Only one person may occupy any part of a lane space

Any player, other than the free thrower, who does not occupy a marked lane space, must be behind the free throw line extended and the three point line.

The free thrower shall receive the ball and release the free throw while inside the semi-circle. The free thrower shall not allow either foot to cross the vertical plane of the free throw line or semi-circle until the ball touches the ring or backboard or until the free throw ends.

Position of Player When Lane Spaces May Not

Be Occupied Players are not allowed to

occupy lane spaces during free throws if the ball is to become dead when the last free throw is unsuccessful

These players must be behind the free throw line extended and the three-point line

Free Throws for Personal Fouls

The offended player shall attempt the free throws for personal fouls

If such player must withdraw because of injury or disqualification, his substitute shall attempt the free throws

If there are no substitutes available, any teammate may attempt the free throws

Free Throws for Technical Fouls

Any eligible team member, including a sub or designated starter, may attempt the free throws awarded because of a technical foul

Players are never allowed to occupy lane spaces during free throws for a technical foul, because the ball will become dead once the last free throw ends

Resuming Play with a Throw-in

When the last free throw is successful, the ball shall be put in play by a throw-in

If the throw-in is by the opponent of the free thrower, the throw-in shall be from anywhere along the end line. The lead official need not handle the ball

If the throw in is by the free thrower’s team, the throw-in will be from a designated spot nearest to where the intentional or flagrant foul occurred

If the throw-in is following free throws for a technical foul, the throw-in shall be from a designated spot on the sideline opposite the table.

Resuming Play on a Missed Last Free Throw

If the last free throw for a personal foul, other than intentional or flagrant, is unsuccessful, the ball will remain alive

Multiple Free Throws for both Personal and

Technical Fouls A multiple throw is a succession of

free throws attempted by the same team

If there is a multiple throw and both a personal and technical foul are involved, the free throws are attempted in the order in which they were called

Since no players are lined up on the lane during free throws for a technical, intentional or flagrant foul, the ball shall be put in play by a throw-in

Positions for Officials During All Free Throws

LEAD 2 Person Crew:

Approximately 4 feet from the nearer lane line and well off the end line (Table side)

Trail 2 Person Crew:

Just behind the free throw line extended and halfway between the nearer free throw lane and the nearest side line (Opposite the table)

Responsibilities for each Official During

Free ThrowsLEAD Secure the ball See that all lane spaces are properly

occupied Take a final look at the table Step into the lane and visually & verbally

indicate the number of free throws Bounce ball to free thrower Stand about 4’ from nearer lane line and

well off the end line Watch the first lane space on the near lane

and all lane spaces on the opposite side for violations

Give the appropriate signal when either team violates

If the final throw is followed by a throw-in, Signal to start the clock a the proper time

Responsibilities for each Official During Free Throws

2 Person Trail/Center: See that all lane spaces are properly

occupied Take a final look at the table Observe the position of the throwers feet Do the 10 sec. Count (wrist flick, away

hand) Show the “stop the clock” signal using the

hand nearest the division line Step toward the end line as the free

thrower releases the ball Observe as to whether the ball goes

through, contacts, misses the ring Watch for goaltending and/or basket

interference Observe the free thrower for violations Signal to start the clock when last throw

is missed

Responsibilities for each Official During Free Throws

3-Person Trail

See that all lane spaces are properly occupied

Take a final look at the table

Make sure that the correct player attempts the free throw

Assist with free throw violations

Step toward end line on release & officiate rebounding action

(2-person trail must also officiate rebounding action)