Behind the free thrower
 

I am officiating a junior high boys game. A player in the stands is yelling that the players that are not in the lane for the free throw have to remain still. For years I have seen players walk around behind the FT shooter, talk to coach, etc. In one instance two 7th graders from opposing teams are jockeying for position behind the shooter, which really made no sense to me either.

Any direction on this would be great. I did not call a violation or technical, but my partner and I have been seeking clarification.

Thanks.

Players not on the lane must be above the freethrow line extended, and outside the 3-point arc.

As long as the players are not doing anything that distracts the shooter then they can move around anywhere they like, assuming they meet the above requirements.

Most people in the stands don't know squat about the rules. Anyone in the stands that knows the rules isn't yelling them at you. You are correct.