The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
Late during the fourth quarter of a close game, the official rules a foul on B-3 for contacting A-1. It is the fifth team foul of the quarter. However, the table fails to notify the officials and the ball is put in play via a throw-in by Team A. Team B commits another common foul during the throw-in this time against A-2. When the foul is reported, the table indicates that this is the sixth team foul of the quarter
Handle the situation.
This is a correctable error situation. The failure to award free throws on the fifth team foul has been discovered in time since this is the first dead ball after the clock has started after the error has occurred. A-1 will be awarded two free throws with no players lined up along the lane. Then, A-2 will be awarded two free throws and play will resume as normal with players lined up along the lane.
This play illustrates the importance of knowing when the bonus is in effect. This will always be a difficult conversation with the Team B coach who may have been trying to put Team A on the line to get the ball back in a close game.
The change in the rule from seven fouls in a half to five in a quarter can result in a bonus situation “sneaking up” on us. It is always good practice to confirm with the scorer the potential bonus free throw situation.
(References: Rules 2-10-1a, 2-10-2, 2-10-6, 10-7 Penalties 3)
Have you seen an unusual play? Let all officials benefit from it by sending it to Play of the Day
Very Interested Play. Yes, this is a Correctable Error Situation. It is very important to
make sure when a Team get to 5 Fouls. This Play allowed 4 Free Throws because of
an error by Officials. Explain that one to Team B Coach, Good Luck! Thanks!