The shooter A1 and players for A and B line up properly for the first of two free throw attempts. The administering official bounces the ball to the shooter, who catches is. The shooter bounces the ball three times but on the fourth bounce fumbles the ball across the free throw line. Before any player moves, the center official blows the ball dead, and the administration for the first free throw is started over. Are the officials correct?

Yes.

Is that a test question?

No, but it should be! It happened in a girls game last night in Virginia. Can anyone cite the relevant rule or casebook play?

Casebook play 9.1.1

JR:
I am not sure why in 9.1.1, muffing the pass is treated the same as catches and then drops.
Per the casebook example, in either case the official is instructed to "sound the whistle to prevent any violations and then start the free throw procedure again."

I am not sure what violation you can have prior to the ball being at the disposal of the shooter(4-7-b)
Clearly catching and subsequently fumbling has met the requirement for being "at the disposal of the shooter"

On the other hand, muffing the pass never meets the criteria for at the disposal so what violation are we trying to preempt?


Appreciate your insights

JR:
I am not sure why in 9.1.1, muffing the pass is treated the same as catches and then drops.
Per the casebook example, in either case the official is instructed to "sound the whistle to prevent any violations and then start the free throw procedure again."

I am not sure what violation you can have prior to the ball being at the disposal of the shooter(4-7-b)
Clearly catching and subsequently fumbling has met the requirement for being "at the disposal of the shooter"

On the other hand, muffing the pass never meets the criteria for at the disposal so what violation(s) are we trying to prevent?


Appreciate your insights

Yo, justa, you're suggesting we all just stand there until the C counts to 10 and blows the whistle?

Nah, you aint suggesting that... ;)

If the shooter steps into the lane and then gains possession of the "muffed" ball, the ball is now "at his disposal", and he's just committed a line violation. The purpose and intent of this rule is to not penalize accidental fumbles, muffs,etc. that really don't have a bearing on the game. It also covers the cases where the administering official throws a bad pass to the FT shooter, or bounces the ball before the FT shooter is ready for it.

I officiate in northern VA. Just curious where (schools involved) this occured.

Free Throw Administration
 

Central Virginia, east of Richmond.