The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
Team A is trailing by 3 points as time is running out. As A-1 is attempting a three point try, B-1 commits an intentional foul against A-1. A-1 crashes to the floor and is injured. There are 3.8 seconds on the clock. After a delay for the trainer to attend to A-1, play is ready to be resumed. Team A has no timeouts left and has five substitutes on the bench.
Handle the situation.
In order to have A-1 attempt the free throws, Team A must use a timeout. However, since Team A is out of timeouts, Team A would have to use an excess timeout for that to happen. With the game on the line that would be unlikely to happen.
If Team A does not use a timeout, then A-1’s substitute must attempt the three free throws. The opposing coach has no say in who will replace A-1. Once the free throws have been attempted, Team A will be awarded the ball for a designated spot throw-in at the spot nearest where the foul occurred. At this point any member of Team A’s bench other than A-1 can substitute for any player including A-1’s substitute. A-1 is ineligible to return to the game until the clock has started.
(References: Rule 10-7 Penalty 5b, 3-3-6, 8-2)
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Great question on a play that could very likely happen. Thanks for continuing to supply these questions as they help us all become better officials.