Interfering With The Ball ...

[BillyMac]

Green Team is trailing by four points in the fourth period when they score a three-point goal to cut the lead to one point. They are out of timeouts and have not been issued any of the five delay warnings during the game. As the ball passes through the net, there are less than five seconds remaining on the clock when Green #10 interferes with the ball.

What is the correct ruling on this play?

What if the “interference” is tapping the ball away as it about to fall on Green #10's head?

What if the “interference” is tapping the ball to a nearby official?

What if the “interference” is tapping the ball to nearby White #15?

What if the “interference” is slapping the ball in a random direction from inbounds to out of bounds?

What if the “interference” is slapping the ball three rows up into the bleachers in the corner?

What's the "line in the sand" between interfering with the ball and preventing the ball from being made live promptly or from being put in play?

9.2.10 SITUATION A: A1 is out of bounds for a throw-in. B1 reaches through the boundary plane
and knocks the ball out of A1's hands. Team B has not been warned previously for a throw-in
plane infraction. RULING: B1 is charged with a technical foul and it also results in the official
having a team warning recorded and reported to the head coach. COMMENT: In situations with
the clock running and five or less seconds left in the game, a throw-in plane violation or
interfering with the ball following a goal should be ignored if its only purpose is to stop the
clock. However, if the tactic in any way interferes with the thrower's efforts to make a throw-in,
a technical foul for delay shall be called even though no previous warning had been issued. In
this situation, if the official stopped the clock and issued a team warning, it would allow the
team to benefit from the tactic.