Throw-ins – There are many situations in a game that result in a throw-in. These include time-outs, non-shooting fouls, violations, inadvertent whistles and held-balls. By rule, most throw-ins occur nearest the spot of the infraction. In rarer cases the ball may be inbounded based on where the ball was located when the infraction occurred. Some infractions, such as technical fouls, have a specific location for the throw-in. Putting the ball in play at an incorrect spot is one of the more common mistakes made by officials. How can we ensure we are putting the ball in play at the right place?
First, we have to understand what is the “nearest spot” by rule.
The diagram above shows where the ball should be put in play for those frequent instances that require a “nearest spot” throw-in. These include common fouls prior to the bonus, violations and held balls. The blue area goes to the end line and the pink area goes to the sideline.
Incorrect throw-in spots can impact the ability of teams to play efficiently on offense and defense. We need to remember that the decisions we make as officials affect BOTH teams. Many teams have designed out of bounds plays particularly in the front court. The throw-in location can affect the effectiveness of these plays.
Please be diligent in identifying the correct throw-in spot.
Tagging – There has been an increase noted in what might best be described as tagging. The defender momentarily places a hand on the dribbler and repeats this action a second or two later. The 1st touch often is incidental. However, by rule (10-7-12d), the second such touch is a foul regardless of the effect it has on play.
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Substitutions – In situations where the official administering a throw-in has checked/looked to the scorer and timer’s table, has had eye contact with partners and is ready to cause the ball to become live – it is too late to accept substitutes. The game, by rule, cannot be delayed to admit a substitute who is in route to the table or whose coach is hollering “sub, sub.” Ignore such situations and put the ball in play. Do not delay the game!