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MA,
Not only does NFHS have a "no throw rule", it has two of them! It sounds like you are not enforcing the NFHS thrown bat rules as written.
Rule 3-6-3 covers a carelessly thrown bat. Rule 3-6-16 covers deliberately thrown bats.
Two different rules with two different penalties, warnings, consequences and levels of judgment.
Also, I would not enforce either of these rules based on "a complaint from a catcher or coach". You either saw it or you didn't. When you see it, you either judge it to be careless or deliberate. Then you apply whichever rule is appropriate.
If the bat is thrown "carelessly" (one that accidentally slips from the batter's hands, is discarded in a normal manner but with extra force or distance, or just happens to almost hit the catcher), you issue a team warning. The next offender on that team that you judge to "carelessly" throw the bat is restricted to the dugout (not ejected).
If the bat is "deliberately" thrown (not an accident, but purposely tossed with intent, as in anger or frustration and not in a manner associated with normal game play) you may eject the player on the spot. If the infraction is judged to be minor, you have the option of warning the player (not the entire team) and ejecting (not restricting to the bench) if that same player deliberately repeats the same offense.
Reading your post, it really sounds like you are mixing the two rules together- warning the player when the act was not intentional and restricting a player to the bench when you've judged the act to be deliberate.
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