Elementary question from a non-ref
 

How does an official decide whether the ball is to be inbounded on the sideline or on the baseline, on a violation or non shooting foul?

From my scanning quickly through the rulebook it seems the term "nearest point" comes up alot, what if they are equally near to both?

I kind of feel silly asking such a simple question, but you guys have always been so kind in the past.

Thanks in advance

To give you the simple answer. on a court diagrame draw a line from the edge line of the freethrow and draw it to the corner where the baseline meets the sideline. Dd this on both sides. If the ball goes out ect, in this trapaziod bring it directly down to the baseline so it is at the baseling at the spot where it occured, if it is outside the trapaziod we go to the side again at the spot of the violation ect.
Hope this helps

Take the point where the free thow line intersects the free throw lane line, draw a line to the point where the sideline intersects the endline. Now add the free throw semi circle.

Anything inside this area goes to the baseline, outside goes to sideline.

Edit:

Looks like Fonzzy07 beat me to it, however don't forget the free throw semi circle is included.

eyezen, you made it sound so much better then me. thanks for clearing mine up if it was confusing.