Yup, again there's millions of reasons being made to not call a technical foul, even though the rule is clear. The purpose and intent of the rule is to have the thrower start back on to the court immediately after they finish their throw-in. If they don't, the penalty is a technical foul. Please don't try to tell me that a thrower simply forgot to come back in-bounds after making the throw-in. That's ridiculous.

I don't particularly like the rule as written also. But in the OP the thrower received an advantage not meant by rule. It's as simple as that.

Please continue with any new excuses that y'all can dream up. Onwards and upwards! :)

If the word immediately was contained in the rule, it would be much more difficult not to make the call in the OP, but it isn't. So, is an immediate return the key? If so, would we make the call if the thrower stands for a 3 count, then steps in and is not involved in the play? Is the key advantage gained? Does the 3 second pause gain an advantage? I'm not convinced that it does.

I saw this type of delay 3 times last year. I had the call once and the other 2 were called by my partners.

So this year when I went and worked a local scrimmage a week before the season started, the coach had us talk about changes and odd/ends. I brought up this point and that the thrower needed to return as soon as possible.

I don't think it's an accident that I saw this multiple times last night... I think it's being taught and some officials are not enforcing it.

Agree ...
 

Where do I sign?