Spectator interference at a critical point

[Dan_ref]

Originally Posted by Official99

This is a great question... and one that when it happens, regardless of what age, skill or league will surely stir up questions.

Just remember that according to Rule 2 Section 3 (NHFS) & Rule 2 Section 3 Artile 1 (NCAA) "the referee shall be empowered to make decisions on any points not specifically covered in the rules."

Therefore, in a situation like this one, where there is no rule on spectator interference; what you say, goes!

Except it is addressed

Section 10. Officials’ Duties Related to Conduct
The officials shall:
Art. 1. Penalize unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, coach, substitute, team attendant or follower.
A.R. 14. Who is responsible for behavior of spectators? RULING: The home management or game committee, insofar as it can reasonably be expected to control the spectators, is responsible. The officials may call indirect technical fouls on either team when its supporters act in such a way as to interfere with the proper conduct of the game, such technical fouls do not count as team fouls
A.R. 15. After a foul is called against a home team player, just before the free-thrower releases the ball, he/she is hit by a coin thrown by a spectator. RULING: Assess an indirect technical foul against the home team, award the visiting team two free throws and put the ball in play at the point of interruption. (See Rule 10-5.2.)