For the experienced officials...

[Just Curious]

Originally posted by ref18
A few of the middle school gyms are dating back to before the 3-pt line came into existance.

Now for free throws without the three-pt line, what restrictions were there for players who were not in a marked lane space?

I can only wait for Jurassic to jump in here... But as I recall in THOSE DAYS... You were actually allowed to line up 4 players on each side of the key... That allowed for 8 of the 10 players... the free-thrower was nine... And the 10th was always in the backcourt standing there looking good and I don't believe anyone ever thought he/she was in danger of breaking into the free-throw area after the release, after it struck the rim, or even after it hit the floor.
But I believe that in the event he/she got curious enough to move in closer, he/she was restricted by the free-throw lane arc above the free-thrower and the free-throw line extended..