[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

4-22-1 & 2 Goaltending
Goaltending occurs when:
ART. 1 .A defensive player touches the ball during a try or tap for field goal while the ball is in its downward flight entirely above the basket ring level, has the possibility of entering the basket in flight and is not touching the basket cylinder;
ART. 2 A defensive player touches the ball outside the cylinder during a free-throw attempt.

Rationale: Limiting goaltending to defensive players simplifies the rule and enhances consistency in enforcement. Offensively, there is no practical incentive for a player to intentionally goaltend their own team’s shot. By removing the possibility of offensive goaltending, officials no longer need to determine whether a ball in flight is a legitimate try or a pass, reducing subjectivity and improving clarity. This change streamlines decision-making for both officials and players and supports the flow of play by allowing more scoring opportunities at the basket.

Mike Goodwin "Of The North" put this bug in my ear.

4-10-9 Player Technical: A player must not: Commit goaltending during a free throw.

Old 4-22: Goaltending occurs when a player touches the ball during a field-goal try or tap while the ball is in its downward flight entirely above the basket ring level, has the possibility of entering the basket in flight and is not touching the basket cylinder or a player touches the ball outside the cylinder during a free-throw attempt.

So what happens with the new rule (no such beast as offensive goaltending) when an offensive player touches the ball outside the cylinder during a free-throw attempt?

Offensive player grabs the free throw ball before it reaches the cylinder and dunks it?