Opponents Distracting Free Thrower ...

[BillyMac]

This thread is primarily for IAABO members because IAABO interpretations don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world to most Forum members.

Whether, or not, bench personnel opponents can distract (disconcert) free throw shooters has been debated here on the Forum for many years. With no clear NFHS definition of "opponent", some have claimed that opponent only refers to the opposing five players on the court, while others have maintained that an opponent can include opposing bench personnel.

The most recent issue of IAABO's Between The Lines contains this quiz question and answer:

A1 is shooting a free throw when Team B head coach is clapping and yelling instructions to the Team B players along the lane. The free throw is unsuccessful. The official rules distraction on the Team B head coach and awards A1 a substitute free throw. True or False?

True 9-1-3-C

9-1-3-C: No opponent must distract the free thrower