The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
The pre-game warmup clock runs out and neither team has provided a line-up for the official scorebook. The referee rules an indirect technical foul on each head coach. No free throws are attempted and the game starts with a jump ball.
During the 2nd quarter it is discovered that #21 on Team A is not in the book. #21 is added to the book and the coach of Team A is charged with an indirect technical foul. Team B is awarded two free throws and the ball at the division line for a throw-in.
The head coach of Team A is warned that another indirect technical foul will result in his ejection.
During the 3rd quarter Team A is discovered to be playing with 6 players on the court. An indirect technical foul is charged to the head coach of Team A and he is disqualified. Team B is awarded two free throws and the ball at the division line for a throw-in.
Were the officials correct?
The officials were NOT correct. While it is true that a technical is charged for not having the line-ups ready, that technical foul is not charged directly or indirectly to the head coach. It is an administrative technical which is charged to the team only. In this case since both teams were guilty, it is considered to be simultaneous and play was correctly resumed with a jump ball at the point of interruption.
While it is true that a technical is charged for adding a name to the book, that technical foul is also not charged directly or indirectly to the head coach. It is an administrative technical which is charged to the team only. The penalty is two free throws and possession of the ball for a throw-in from the division line.
Having more than 5 players participating simultaneously is a team technical foul. It is not charged directly or indirectly to the head coach. The penalty is two free throws and possession of the ball for a throw-in from the division line.
While the head coach may have some control over these activities, by rule, none of these are charged to the head coach. The head coach should not have been ejected.
(References: Rule 10-1-1, 10-1-2b, 10-2-2, 10-6 Penalty Note)
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