FT positioning question

[Hugh Refner]

We've mentioned previously how it's a popular misunderstanding among coaches, players and even some officials that players not on the lane must stand behind the division line during technical fouls, but I'm curious as to what the rule was prior to the establishment of the three-point line? Was the division line the rule then? Maybe some of you older, er, I mean more experienced officials can shed some light on this. Thanks.

[mbyron]

All you need is the FT line extended and the top of the key as reference points.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by mbyron

All you need is the FT line extended and the top of the key as reference points.

Huh?? So before the 3-point was established players could stand just outside the circle just above where the free-throw line and free-throw circle intersect?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

Huh?? So before the 3-point was established players could stand just outside the circle just above where the free-throw line and free-throw circle intersect?

When I played, some players (I forget the exact requirement) could stand below the FT line extended.

A common arrangement was to have one Team A player along the baseline. Then, when the defense boxed out, that player would run into the lane from the side to (attempt to) get the rebound.

[Hugh Refner]

Are you guys saying that the "old" rule was just that those players had to be above the FT line and outside the FT circle, or did they have to be above an imaginary line drawn through the top of the circle that extended from sideline to sideline? Or something else?

[Freddy]

The change must have occurred during my sabbatical from officiating, perhaps in the 80's or 90's. Seems to me that during technical free throws one team would use it as a timeout, legally gathering in front of its bench, while the other team had to remain behind the division line and missed out on the needed "coach time". With the current rule, each team may do so without penalty.
Thread-thievery question: anyone ever witnessed a violation called on any player for breaking the rule so that the T-shooter received an additional shot? I haven't.