Calling in a 14-y old girl AAU tournament. Player recieves ball from lead while shooting a free throw. I am at T, watching the shooter. Her toe is barely touching the line but as she bounces the ball before shooting, she realizes this and pulls her toe back. Some loud mouth in the stand wants me to call a violation. I was tempted to but changed my mind when she corrected herself before releasing the ball. Free throw violation or not?

Good no-call. No sense in punishing for this small indiscretion. If you get a chance before she shoots the second, a little reminder to make sure she stays behind the line, will do.

ReadyToRef,
As long as she's not in her throwing motion, I can make that work at that level.
mick

Good no call especially since the loud mouth said something.

[Edited by Bart Tyson on Apr 3rd, 2002 at 11:21 AM]

Yes, that would definitely ice it for me, no way am I calling it.

I agree! Sometimes, I might tell the loud-mouth that the rule changed last night at midnight -- just to see their expression.

Over the line
 

How do you all feel about sixth graders shooting free throws and they go over the line on the shot?
I don't call unless they are attempting to miss and dash after their miss. If they are just shooting and momentum carries them over I pass on it.

Re: Over the line
 

As many of you know, I am on the Board of our local rec league (3rd grade thru HS - approx. 1500 kids). For our first 22 years (I've been on the Board for 12 of those), we allowed kids from 6th grade down to go over the line as they shot, as long as they didn't make a move toward the basket for a rebound.

However, this past year, we finally came to our senses and realized we were not teaching proper free throw mechanics. So, we decided to achieve that goal, but still compensate for the lack of size and strength of younger kids by putting down masking tape on the floor two feet shorter for 5th and 6th grade, and four feet shorter for 3rd and 4th grade. We then strictly enforce the line - although we do just give a warning if their toe is barely on it. BTW - 3rd and 4th always shoot at nine foot baskets.

This new FT policy has worked great. The kids are still making a decent percentage of their free throws, and they are learning the proper mechanics.

Remember, this is only in our rec division. We also have teams that play in competitive leagues and tournaments (4th grade up) and they use standard NF rules on free throws.

Some loud mouth? At AAU-fests they are ALL loudmouths.
Good no call!