Question: Free Throw Violation?

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

The rule applies to any "opponent" of the free thrower. That includes players, team members on the bench, coaches, and any bench personnel.

Originally Posted by Freddy

You'll likely run into lots of opposition to call a violation against a non-player.

Freddy is right, there are two sides to this interpretation, but I wouldn't go as far as using the word, "lots". Nevertheless, I'm siding with Scrapper1 on this one.

Also, don't forget the delayed violation, "fist out to the side signal", because if the free throw goes in, you're not calling this violation.

Originally Posted by Chris Whitten

If it persists, the punishment should be handled by a technical for unsportsmanlike conduct.

"Miss it", and, "Hey shooter", can certainly be disconcerting, but they may, and note that I said, "may", also be considered unsporting, and one could, and note that I said, "could", not, "should", consider charging a technical foul. That may be like an elephant stepping on an ant, but one could go that way. The, "but is not limited to", wording for unsporting conduct should back you up here.