Lane Spaces
 

*8.1.4 SITUATION: A1 is at the free-throw line for the first attempt of a bonus
situation. In (a), two Team B and two Team A players occupy the first and second marked lane spaces, respectively. B3 occupies one of the third marked lane
spaces. A3 attempts to occupy the vacant third marked lane space.
RULING: Illegal in (a), A3 is not permitted to occupy the third marked lane space. Only two offensive players may occupy marked lane spaces during a free throw.

Wouldn't this play be clearer if instead of A3 it said A4? One of the veterans is claiming that the Two Team A Players are A2 and A3 and therefore no team A players can have the 3rd spot closest the shooter. I told him he needs to assume the two team A players are A2 and A4 and A3 came in as the 3rd offensive player. Correct?

You're correct. Point out the reasoning the case play offers for the ruling.

I would expect the players along the lane to be A5 and A4....usually the bigger/taller players. :)

Right, and are usually wearing the bigger numbers as well. :)

Three, Four, Shut The Door ...
 

I coached middle school basketball for over twenty-five years, going through several sets of uniforms. I have no idea how my athletic director ordered uniforms, but the numerals always came in order starting with the small sizes and ending with the large sizes. Smallest uniforms always had the lowest numerals. Largest uniforms always had the highest numerals.

Isn't That How The NFHS Works ???
 

Of course. A5 is the "five", the center, and A4 is the "four", the power forward. I bet I can tell you what positions A1, A2, and A3 play. However, I have idea what position A6, the first substitute coming of the bench, plays.

Bobby Knight was an A6