Quote:
Originally Posted by Nevadaref
The JV team members are NOT opponents during the Varsity game. They are spectators. They should not be sitting in the team bench area. If they are in the bleachers behind the bench, then they can yell all they want.
Neither game management nor the officials should do anything about this. It is part of basketball.
However, the players on the court, and the coaches and team members sitting on the benches are not permitted to distract the FT shooter. That is a violation and will be penalized with a substitute FT.
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A couple of the JV Players were questionable, the few that were questionable were sitting in the location where team gear was being kept (water bottles & medical). All were sitting right behind the bench, & a couple of times it looked as if the cheerleaders or the JV Girls' Coach was trying to get them to cheer while the free throw was being attempted.
The WIAA has a program called "Just Play Fair!" that emphasizes sportsmanship & on the Sportsmanship/Crowd Management Evaluation Form, 1 of the points on the form is: Yelling or waving arms during opponent's free-throw attempt under Unacceptable Behavior.
I know from watching College & NBA Games, that fans are waving foam fingers, banging thundersticks, & other things to distract the player.
I didn't think however it was legal for anyone to yell anything specific during the free throw attempts. Only yell, clap hands, & stomp feet.