Free Throw Disrupted By Fan

[griblets]

Originally Posted by Eastshire

In fifteen years, I've never had a fan on the floor actively trying to interfere with play.

In 8 years, I hadn't either, until my last game of this season. I had the exact situation as the OP during a MS championship game. During a free throw by V1, two home students came out of the stands, under the basket about 5 feet off the base line, jumping around and waving their arms. The stands were another 5 feet behind them. By the time it was noticed, the shot was on its way. When the free throw was missed, we allowed the free thrower to re-shoot. Administration took care of it immediately.

Our decision may not be specifically supported by rule, but I am comfortable that we handled it appropriately. I would no call this before calling a T. I could not feel right about penalizing the players for a knucklehead student's actions. Now, if it happens a 2nd time...

[so cal lurker]

Originally Posted by griblets

In 8 years, I hadn't either, until my last game of this season. I had the exact situation as the OP during a MS championship game. During a free throw by V1, two home students came out of the stands, under the basket about 5 feet off the base line, jumping around and waving their arms. The stands were another 5 feet behind them. By the time it was noticed, the shot was on its way. When the free throw was missed, we allowed the free thrower to re-shoot. Administration took care of it immediately.
...

Our MS CYO rules specifically permit awarding new FTs for spectator behavior during a FT. My son' steam benefitted from a call in the playoffs with 10 seconds left down by 2 ....

I would suggest never utilizing the "tech a fan" rule on an individual fan. How could you know he was actually a fan of that team versus just dressing in their colors? Unlikely I know but I believe that rule is meant for more obvious acts like throwing TP on the court. Eject the fan and reissue the FT if missed.