[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally posted by zebraman
Boys 4A Varsity tonight. Big local rivalry game. Visiting team player B1 shooting the first of two free throws midway through the first quarter. After the release, an air horn goes off in the crowd. I tell partner I'm going to the table and I run over to get game management. They have the announcer request that no noisemakers be used and they inform me that they're going to watch the crowd for further problems. Good enough.

Midway through the second quarter, same thing happens (from the other side of the stands this time) only this time it sounds right as B2 is realeasing the free throw and it makes him "pull the string" (in my opinion of course) and he comes up short on the free throw. I go to the table again and this time they know who it is and toss the kid out. The visiting coach wants disconcertion. Well, I know that disconcertion is normally on a player, but I think he's got a good argument so I talk to my partner for a sec and he agrees. I get both coaches real quick and say "we're going to shoot two more." Home coach says, "how do you know it was one of our fans that did it?" I say, "I don't, but if one of your shooters gets disconcerted, I'll do the same for you." He wasn't thrilled but he bought off on it. No further problems. Routine game other than that.

Would you have handled it differently?

Thanks in advance!

Z

This is NOT disconcerting action. But NFHS Casebook Play 1.18 SITUATION (c): Fans from the visiting are using artificial noisemakers during an opponent's attempted free throw. RULING: This is prohibited by rule. The officials shall notify game management to have a public address announcement made stating that the use of artificial noisemakers are prohibited at all times. If the problem continues it may result in a technical foul being assessed to the team supporter(s).

A subsitute free throw is not allowed in this situation, but a technical foul should have been assessed to the Team A supporter.