Inadvertent Whistle & Lane Violation Question
 

Just thought that I'd get the opinion of the forum on this play.


CASE PLAY

A1 has the ball for one free throw.
Before A1 releases the ball, B1 steps into the lane.
The official inadvertently sounds the whistle instead of simply showing the delayed dead ball signal.
A1 stops the motion and does not release the ball.
The Lead Official gets the ball from A1 and re-administers the free throw.
A1’s free throw is unsuccessful.
The officials allow A1 another free throw because of the violation by B1, which caused the inadvertent whistle.
Are the officials correct?

Yes, this is straight out of the case book.

6.7.5 SITUATION: A1 is at the free-throw line for the second of two attempts. After the ball is at A1's disposal, B1 commits a lane violation. The administering official inadvertently sounds his/her whistle: (a) before A1 starts the free-throw motion; (b) after the ball has been released; or (c) during A1's motion but before release of the ball. RULING: Whether or not the whistle was sounded inadvertently it has the same result. In (a) and (c), the ball becomes dead immediately. In (b), the whistle does not cause the ball to become dead until the free throw ends. Because B1 violated, in all cases, a substitute throw is awarded if the free-throw attempt by A1 is unsuccessful. (4-20-3)

Plus additional support can be extracted from:

9.1.4 SITUATION C: A1 is preparing to attempt a free throw. Prior to A1's release of the ball, B1 fakes causing A2 to enter the lane prematurely. A1 then requests and is granted a time-out. RULING: Upon resuming play, A1 is entitled to a free throw and the official shall use the proper signal indicating a violation by B1 prior to the granting of the time-out. If the free throw is successful, the violation is ignored, if unsuccessful a substitute throw is awarded.

Thanks Nevada. I knew I could count on you to provide the reference as I did not have my books with me.