Here is the wording directly from the press release on the NF website:
"Beginning with the 2003-04 season, the number of players permitted on marked lane spaces during free throws (not including the free-throw shooter) will be six four defensive players and two offensive players. The lane spaces closest to the free-throw line (and the shooter) must remain vacant.
The first marked lane spaces (ones adjacent to the end line) shall be occupied by opponents of the free-throw shooter, unless the resuming-of-play procedure is in effect. The second marked lane spaces on each side may be occupied by teammates of the free-throw shooter, and the third marked lane spaces may be occupied by opponents of the free-throw shooter."
Notice the diffenence between the use of the words "shall" and "may". This supports what we have been saying, unless you interpret that language (combined with the statement that there will be four defensive and two offensive players "permitted") as meaning that if a player entitled to a space doesn't take it, it must remain vacant. The word "may" indicates the taking of a space is not required for those spaces, unlike in the NBA.
BTW - "Howard" is Howard Mayo, commissioner of Portland Basketball Officials Assn. (PBOA) and a former member of the NF rules committee.
__________________
Yom HaShoah
|