The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
There are 6.9 seconds left in the game with Team A leading by one when A-1 is fouled. It is Team B’s 10th team foul of the half. The officials announce one plus one for the free throws. A-1 misses the 1st free throw. A-5 gathers the rebound, passes to A-3 who scores via a short jumper. Timeout is ruled and the clock stops with 2.0 seconds left. The table now notifies the officials that A-1 should have attempted two free throws.
Handle the situation.
The goal by A-3 counts. When play resumes, A-1 will be given the free throw that he was entitled to with no players lined up since there has been a change of possession (Team B is entitled to the ball since Team A just scored). After A-1’s free throw, since this is a point of interruption play, Team B will be awarded the ball out of bounds on the end line with the right to move along the end line.
This play illustrates the importance of confirming with the table the number of free throws that a player is entitled to in critical late game situations.
(References: Rule 2-10-1a, 2-10-2, 2-10-5, 2-10-6)
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Very Good Correctable Situation. We, as Officials, need to get correct, so as not to get in this
position. Thanks.