The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
Dribbler A-1 in the frontcourt is fouled by B-1. This puts Team A in the bonus. However, no notice comes from the table and the ball is awarded to Team A for a throw-in from one of the frontcourt “magic” spots. A-1 hits a three point goal. Before B-1 picks up the ball to start the throw-in, the table sounds the horn and the officials stop play. Notice is now given about the missed bonus opportunity.
Handle the situation.
The three-point goal stands. This is a correctable error. It is still correctable since the error has been discovered before the ball became live after it became dead after the clock had started. Of course, the ball became dead when A-1 hit the three-point goal. If the throw-in had started, it would have been too late to correct the error.
A-1 will be awarded two free throws. This is a point-of-interruption play since there has been a change of possession since the error occurred. After the free throws are over, the ball will be awarded to Team B. Team B will make the throw-in from the end line and will be allowed to move along the end line as after any successful goal.
This play illustrates the importance for officials to have a sense of game situations when the foul count is rising. Do not be in a hurry to put the ball in play when a potential bonus free throw situation might be present.
(References: Rule 4-36-2b, 2-10-1a, 2-10-2, 2-10-5, 2-10-6)
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