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 shooting two free throws with 4 seconds left in regulation. A-1 makes the first putting Team A up by 2. A-1 misses the second free throw. B-1 gets the rebound and tries to pass the ball to B-2 at the far end of the court. Ball goes out of bounds. Official sounds whistle with 0.3 seconds showing on the clock. However, because of the noise, the timer does not hear the whistle, time runs out and the horn sounds. Team A rushes onto floor celebrating the victory. Handle the situation.
This situation is different from the situation where a fight might break out. When a fight might break out, each individual who leaves the bench is charged with a flagrant technical foul. In this case since the horn has sounded and the clock shows 0:00, Team A could legitimately believe the game is over. It is understandable that they would rush the court to celebrate. The officials should direct Team A back to the bench and award the ball to Team A for a designated spot throw-in at the spot where the ball went out of bounds. (References: Rule 2-3, NFHS Interpretation)
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