Defenense holding hands on free throw
 

While watching a D-II mens game today, I noticed the defense holding hands while boxing out to gain an advantage. They would hold the position to not let the offensive player through the two defenders.

Any thoughts? Violation? What should be called, if anything? Same for FED?

No "violation," but you could call a foul if an opponent attempted to get through the two love birds and couldn't. Pick one and call holding.

Never seen this before, good question. If the FT shooter has not released the ball and they are holding hands, my thoughts would be to warn them first not to do that again. If they do it again and keep the opponent from moving into the lane to get a fair shot at the rebound, holding foul. Take your pick but only charge one of them. Guarantee, they won't do it again if you call a foul, after warning them too.

I'm assuming they were doing this after the release; how else could they reach one another through the offensive player?

Actually it is a violation. According to 4.24.9 - It is not legal to lock arms or grasp a teammate(s) in an effort to restrict the movement of an opponent.

I also thought I had read somewhere that if contact was made that a foul could be called on both players - but I can't find that.

I don't know what the college rule is, but in NFHS, it's a Team Technical 10-1-11, at least that's how I'd interpret it.

I couldn't find that - I was looking for it though. When I read the OP I thought it was a "T" but couldn't find it - that's the answer.

well, then. I'm wrong again? Say it ain't so! :)

it ain't so! :D

Oldschool how would you suggest I warn them. i don't know how your rec league works but I can garuntee in any game I am working I'm not going to blow my whistle while the ball is live, go over to the players and say"boys I'm warning you not to hold hands again" Sorry just aint how I officiate.
Please tell me though how you would do it.

If you don't call the T the first time, when they do it tell them not to hold hands, just don't blow the play dead