Artifical noisemaker?
 

I did a middle school game last year in a small gym. During free throw by Visitor, Home fan pops a popcorn bag just as V shoots. Then it happens again during V's second shot. Everyone can hear it. Before ball is put in play I go over to Home coach and say that is an artificial noisemaker and say that can't happen anymore. Home fan was sitting right behind bench and heard me say it. Coach had no problem and the noise stopped. First time in 11 years I had to do something like this, since in most cases I ignore the fans. But in my opinion, this was wrong.

Damn, Another Mixed Metaphor ...
 

You did the right thing. The only way that you could have handled it a little better would have been to approach the athletic director, site director, or faculty manager, rather than the coach. But in a middle school game, the coach was probably wearing several "hats", and he was probably at the top of the "food chain".

Thanks BillyMac. When said " in my opinion, this was wrong" I meant the noise was wrong and I was right to stop it. So I agree with you. And yes in that game the usual person in charge, the principal, was not nearby.