One of my partners tonight asked this question and we couldn't agree on an answer...

Can a free throw shooter, after receiving the ball reach across the line and touch the floor with his hand?

A player did this in my partners previous game so it sparked a discussion. He received the ball, then reached down and wiped the floor in front of him prior to shooting. A referee on the game called a violation. I tend to think that the shooter gained no advantage by doing this and therefore would have passed on it.

What do you guys think?

There is nothing in rule 9-1 that says this is a violation. It only mentions the shooters foot crossing the line.

I wouldn't have called a violation even if the shooter wiped the debris away with his foot instead of his hand. As long as he got back behind the line before he shoots...play on!

Dude

RookieDude, I agree with you! No harm, no foul... but there are many who choose to interpret every rule by the letter of the law (and make some letters up as they go). We couldn't find anything in the rule book to address the situation, so we just discussed it without reaching a consensus.

bkiledad,
While looking through the rule book, don't forget to peruse the spirit and intent section.
mick