The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
A-1 is fouled while dribbling the ball. The foul puts Team A in the bonus but the table fails to notify the officials of this. Team A inbounds the ball and A-2 attempts and makes a three point goal. At this point before Team B picks up the ball for the throw-in, the table sounds the horn. Play is stopped and the officials learn that A-1 should have been awarded a bonus free throw situation.
Handle the situation.
This is a possible correctable error situation since merited free throws were not awarded. The first determination to be made is was the error discovered in time to correct.
In this case the ball had become live and the clock had started after the failure to award the free throws. The opportunity to correct the error exists until the end of the first dead ball period that occurs after the clock started. That dead ball period began when the ball passed through the goal for the successful three-point try. Since the throw-in had not started, the error was discovered in time.
By rule, the three point goal stands.
The error will be corrected by awarding A-1 the free throws that A-1 was entitled to. Since there has been a change of team control since the clock started (the three point goal), this is now a point of interruption play. No players will line up for the free throws. Once the free throws are completed, Team B will be awarded the ball on the end line for throw-in. Team B may move along the end line as after any goal.
This play illustrates the difficulties that can occur in these kinds of situations. Team A has a legitimate chance to score five points in a situation where they should have had the opportunity for just two points. Do not be in a hurry to put the ball in play when one is getting close to the bonus situation. When in doubt, double check with the table about the situation.
(References: Rule 2-10-1a, 2-10-2, 2-10-5, 2-10-6)
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