[mick]

Originally posted by Hawks Coach


In almost all cases, an action causes the ball to become dead. The whistle signifies to the participants that the ball is dead, but does not make the ball dead. I think that Mick's point is, if the ball can become dead from a player losing control of it at the line, then it is dead at the moment control is lost, not the moment that the ref wakes up to the situation and blows the whistle. With or without a whistle, you should not have a lane violation. However, my response to Mick would be that the whistle makes it cleaner. It is used to signal to all participants and thus avoids any controversy, or any need for a discussion with your partner about whether or not the ball was dead.

Okay, Coach,
Nine players on the lane and one kid fumbles his free throw. I cannot envision a dog pile on that ball.
I do not blow my whistle without purpose, but in this case I must blow it because it is the proper mechanic.
mick