Step on Line -- Legal or Illegal?

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Juulie Downs

I'm wondering if there's an equally simple, elegant way to describe all the different line violations. The boundary lines are all out of bounds, so if a person is throwing in, it's legal to step on the line, but the lines around the top of the key, where the shooter stands, are all not okay. Free throw lane lines are not okay to step on, during the free throw, stepping on the 3-point line makes a shot a 2-point shot. So basically all lines are like oob, except that the division line is legal if you're still in backcourt. To me, it's confusing. Anyone help here?

When I was first taught the rules in my initial officiating class, the instructor stated that if a player is touching any line on the court, the player is within the area defined by that line.

For example, if a player is touching a boundary line the player is OOB.
If a player is touching a lane line, the player is within the FT lane.
If a player is touching the 3pt arc, the player is inside the 3pt area.
If a player is touching the division line that player is within the backcourt.
Touching the FT semi-circle puts the player within the area allowed for the free-thrower.

Perhaps someone can phrase it more smoothly in a single sentence, but that is the gist of it.

[Juulie Downs]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Touching the FT semi-circle puts the player within the area allowed for the free-thrower.

Huh? So a free thrower can be on the line, but not over, as in OOB? That's not my understanding!

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Juulie Downs

Huh? So a free thrower can be on the line, but not over, as in OOB? That's not my understanding!

I said the semi-circle, Juulie, not the FT line.

The 6-ft radius semi-circle is part of the area in which the free-thrower may legally be. The FT line is part of the FT lane and not within the semi-circle, which has the farther edge of the FT line from the end line as its diameter.

[Juulie Downs]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

I said the semi-circle, Juulie, not the FT line.

The 6-ft radius semi-circle is part of the area in which the free-thrower may legally be. The FT line is part of the FT lane and not within the semi-circle, which has the farther edge of the FT line from the end line as its diameter.

I know what the FT line is, Nevada. I thought the semi-circle was also illegal for the shooter to step on.

[Juulie Downs]

Originally Posted by Juulie Downs

I know what the FT line is, Nevada. I thought the semi-circle was also illegal for the shooter to step on.

But that just emphasizes my point. The shooter can step on the line (but not over the line) going backward, or sideways, but not forward. How to explain THAT to a coach?!?

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Juulie Downs

I know what the FT line is, Nevada. I thought the semi-circle was also illegal for the shooter to step on.

It's not. The FT must be attempted from WITHIN the semi-circle. Now consider exactly what constitutes the mathematical line of the semi-circle? It's the outermost edge, right? That's what it says on the court diagram in the front of the rules book. So the whole of the curved line marking this on the floor lies within the FT semi-circle.
The two following rules state from where the FT must be attempted and define the foot placement of the thrower. Admittedly, the second one could be written more clearly, but it does say BEYOND ... the free-throw semicircle line is illegal, not on it.
9-1-1 . . . The try shall be attempted from within the free-throw semicircle and behind the free-throw line.
9-1-3e. The free thrower shall not have either foot beyond the vertical plane of the edge of the free-throw line which is farther from the basket or the free-throw semicircle line.

Originally Posted by Juulie Downs

But that just emphasizes my point. The shooter can step on the line (but not over the line) going backward, or sideways, but not forward. How to explain THAT to a coach?!?

The best way to explain this to a coach would vary, but I would suggest that one start by asking the coach if the kid is positioned inside or outside of the 3pt area when his heels are on the semi-circle.
Then ask him if the kid is within the FT lane when standing with his toes on the FT line.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Now consider exactly what constitutes the mathematical line of the semi-circle? It's the outermost edge, right?

Nevaderef: Are you 100% sure about this? I would never call it a violation in a "real" game if the free throw shooter momentarily placed the back of his hell on, but not over, the semicircle, but, in theory, I would like to know the correct interpretation in case this ever shows up on an IAABO refresher exam. These refresher exams are known for to have weird situations, and picky questions.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Juulie Downs

I thought the semi-circle was also illegal for the shooter to step on.

Of course not, Larry bird did it over 5000 times and was never called for a single violation. But, of course, he was Larry Bird.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

If a player is touching a lane line, the player is within the FT lane.
If a player is touching the 3pt arc, the player is inside the 3pt area.
If a player is touching the division line that player is within the backcourt.
Touching the FT semi-circle puts the player within the area allowed for the free-thrower.

Perhaps someone can phrase it more smoothly in a single sentence, but that is the gist of it.

From the time that the ball is at the disposal of a free-thrower until the free throw restrictions end, no player may legally step on the the 3-point line or on any line within the 3-point line.

I think that defines all free throw violations concerning the lines.