Question: Free Throw Violation?

[djsteele95]

I am a referee in a youth league that tries to go by high school rules other than a few variations for the youngest kids. League is for 5-12 year olds. We have run into an unusual situation and can't decide whether it is a violation or just bad sportsmanship. Here it is: Can the opposing team lined up in the blocks during a free throw attempt yell and scream at the shooter. The standard stuff, "miss it", "hey shooter", etc. while he has ball in hand. I never see this happen during high school, college or NBA games so I have assumed it was a violation. However, I can't find a rule that says so. If it isn't, then we will probably add the rule for our league as we want more focus on learning and less on winning. I would just like to know if there is a rule on this situation. Thanks.

[Chris Whitten]

It is "disconcertion" and first punishable by allowing the shooter another shot. I usually explain the call so all can hear it. If it persists, the punishment should be handled by a technical for unsportsmanlike conduct.

It ain't called a "free throw" for nothing! Supposed to be free from defense/harrassment!

[djsteele95]

Thanks a lot. I knew it had to be a violation. One more: does that extend to opposing bench players or just those in the blocks?

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by djsteele95

Thanks a lot. I knew it had to be a violation. One more: does that extend to opposing bench players or just those in the blocks?

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

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by djsteele95

Thanks a lot. I knew it had to be a violation. One more: does that extend to opposing bench players or just those in the blocks?

Rule 9-1-3c says, "No opponent shall disconcert the free thrower." And the penalty that follows is found at the end of that section.
Though it doesn't say "No player...", and whereas "opponent" might certainly include bench personnel, you'll likely run into lots of opposition to call a violation against a non-player. Consensus on this forum and here locally suggests warning the bench personnel to knock it off, then issue a bench technical if it's severe enough to mandate it rather than issue a violation.
(I don't agree, but "Mongo just pawn in game of life")

[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.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Chris Whitten

It is "disconcertion" and first punishable by allowing the shooter another shot.

Not if the free throw goes in.

Originally Posted by BillyMac

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.

[Adam]

In my experience, one disconcertion violation on this should be enough to stop it. They'll probably cry about it, including the coach. Don't get into an argument, tell them to stop complaining (the leash should be very short for this issue at that level), and get the ball in play.