Free Throw Lane Positions

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by bigdog5142

Rule 8.1.4

Doesn't this rule state that the first two lane positions MUST be occupied by the opponents of the free throw shooter? For all free throws? I had a coach try to use the first free throw as a time out and pull all her players to the bench while the shooter shot her first shot. I told her that the first two lane spaces had to be occupied by two of her players and she threw a hissy. She "never" had to do that before. I calmly explained that it's a NFHS rule and then she wanted to see the rule book later. She didn't ask at the end of the game, so I didn't show her the rule. I just wanted to make sure I'm in the right on this one. I've honestly never had anyone question that before.

The first spots MUST be occupied for all FTs except those where the ball will be dead after the last FT even if the last FT is missed. Examples of times where the spots may/must be vacant: FTs for a technical foul, intentional foul, flagrant foul; FTs for a foul that occurs as time expires for a quarter. FTs for a foul when another foul has also been called (penalizing in order of occurance...only the last in the sequence will have rebounders on the lane).

One exception where the spaces can remain empty is during FTs immediately following a timout or intermission (resuming play procedure). The FTs may be started with the spaces empty, however, if the FT is missed, it is a violation and a replacement try is awarded. If the FT is missed again with the spaces still vacant, it is a T.

[BillyMac]

I believe that both spaces do not have to be filled when the "defensive" team has only one player left in the game and still has a chance to win the game????

[WhistlesAndStripes]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I believe that both spaces do not have to be filled when the "defensive" team has only one player left in the game and still has a chance to win the game????

I agree.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I believe that both spaces do not have to be filled when the "defensive" team has only one player left in the game and still has a chance to win the game????

You are correct. I actually authored this play on this very forum a few years ago, and the NFHS took it and issued an official interpretation.

2003-04 NFHS BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS

SITUATION 2: Team A started the game with seven team members in the scorebook. All team members foul out but one, A1. Team A is leading by eight points with 38 seconds left in the game with a chance to win. A1 fouls B2 with Team B in the bonus. A1 occupies one of the first marked lane spaces for the free throw, with no teammate to occupy the other required space. RULING: By rule, a team may continue to play with one player if that team has an opportunity to win the game. Accordingly, since Team A can only put one player in the required free-throw marked lane space, it cannot be penalized. Further, Team B may not occupy the first marked lane space left vacant by Team A. (3-1-1 Note, 8-1-3)

[Mark Dexter]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

One exception where the spaces can remain empty is during FTs immediately following a timout or intermission (resuming play procedure). The FTs may be started with the spaces empty, however, if the FT is missed, it is a violation and a replacement try is awarded. If the FT is missed again with the spaces still vacant, it is a T.

Not quite, Camron.

When the RPP is in effect, A1 can take his/her first FT attempt with no one from B in the lower blocks. If A1 misses the FT, then B has violated, and A1 gets a replacement throw. B must occupy the lower blocks for the replacement FT and if they don't, a technical foul is assessed when the official is ready to administer the FT. (10.1.5A)