Free Throw Question
 

Is the proper position for the T (2 man) during a FT with the lanes cleared still at the FT line extended? With nine players standing across the division line it seems like overkill to have both Officials observing the shooter. I am thinking about possible trouble after an intentional foul. I have not been able to find anything in the Officials Manual giving an alternative spot to observe. When I have had this happen to me I have kept my eye on the other players but they are usually over closer to the table. I appreciate all your thoughts.

Yes it is correct...but don't ignore those players either. If there is trouble possible cheat up where you can deal with it.

That said, why are all the players across the division line?

The bottom line with mechanics is this: Go where you need to be to referee the play. If you're not sure where you need to be, a good first question to ask yourself is, "Where is there likely to be trouble?" Go there.

Is there likely to be more trouble with the free throw shooter or with nine idle players, opponents, all mingling in close proximity immediately following a technical foul situation? It's not the shooter, right? Then why have both officials "boxing in" the shooter and leaving the other nine unsupervised? Or under-supervised?

I'm sure you already know this, but "I was standing where the manual told me to, watching the free throw shooter's feet" is not the right answer to the question, "Why didn't one of you see that elbow being thrown?"

YMMV

Camron has alluded to one of the most prevalent myths in officiating, namely that non-shooting players during a free throw in which no one is allowed to line up along the lane (i.e. a flagrant or technical foul) must stand behind the division line. Actually, they have the same requirement as any non-shooter who cannot line up along the lane during any free throw - that they must be behind the three point line and the free throw line extended. There is no NF rule that requires them to be behind the division line, yet I work with many officials who think this is the rule.

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