Huddling Prior to a Free Throw

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Refhoop

Last night's scrimmage, we had a coach claim: "15 years, I've never heard players can't huddle..."
Post scrimmage: I found the rule and showed it to him, just to confirm that most coaches don't read rule books... JK.
Regarding "allowing the game to develop into an actionless contest". (I take this to mean an unsportsmanlike delay of game)
Rule 10-1-5 d:"Contact with the free thrower or a huddle of two or more players in the lane by either team prior to a free throw following any team warning for delay."

1. Wasn't this a POE a few years back?
2. Do you all have this as an issue in your areas, if so how do you handle it?
3. Would a correct interpretation of this rule be: Huddle if you dare; but if you get a warning for huddling or any other warning: your next huddle will cost you a "T".

Also, why is contact with the free thrower in there?

All I will say is do not get me started on this FT horse manure that has been going on since before the rule was adopted.

MTD, Sr.

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I have only had this become a problem once...and it was a rec league game (11th grade boys). I broke them up twice when I was ready. When, at the next dead ball, the coach said "That lane meeting is team building...I encourage it." I told him by rule is was not allowed and they needed to keep it short. Next FT they did it again and when I was ready they weren't. I had the book record a delay warning. Coach went nuts and I T'd him. When he asked "What was that for?" I said "I explained the huddle situation, you made a choice." Problem went away and every time I had that team after that the only huddle was only a second or two long.

I believe in picking my battles but I explained the rule and offered to "look the other way" if they kept it very short. Oh well...life is about the choices we make and the consequence that result.