[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by rbruno

... very small gyms with no space along the sidelines or endlines. I typically make the defense on a throw in back up in this case. Is there a rule reference that allows us to back the defense up 3 ft from the line in cases like this ?

In gymnasiums with limited space outside the sidelines, and endlines, a defensive player may be asked to step back no more than three feet.

1-2-2: If, on an unofficial court, there is less than 3 feet of
unobstructed space outside any sideline or end line, a narrow broken line
shall be marked on the court parallel with and 3 feet inside that boundary.
This restraining line becomes the boundary line during a throw-in on that
side or end, as in 7-6. It continues to be the boundary until the ball crosses
the line.

7-6-Note: The thrower shall have a minimum of 3 feet horizontally as in 1-2-
2. If the court is not marked accordingly, an imaginary restraining line shall
be imposed by the administering official.

7.6.4 SITUATION C: The sideline is very near the spectators leaving little space out of bounds for A1 to make a throw-in. As a result, the administering official has directed B1 to move back a step to give the thrower some room. As soon as the ball is handed or bounced to A1, B1 moves right back to the boundary line in front of A1. RULING: It is a violation by B1 and will also result in a warning for Team B which is reported to the scorer and to the head coach. Any subsequent delay-of-game situation or noncompliance with the verbal order will result in a technical foul charged to Team B. (10-1-5c)