[mtn335]

What about band/cheerleaders? They're in that in-between-place of not being members of the crowd, but not being participants.

I had a situation season before last where an idiot drummer in the band kept absently playing rudiments on the floor or on his snare drum while the ball was live. I've been to this school many times and have a good relationship with the AD and table personnel, so I quietly asked that the band folks be reminded about the rule.

It mostly stopped, but at one point (intentionally or otherwise) in the second half, this kid hit his drum right as a visiting player was starting her free-throw motion. Her head visibly jerked toward the sound, and the free throw missed badly.

I awarded a replacement. Covered by rule? Uh, questionable. Fair? Well, I thought so...