If an official erroneously allows a free throw shooter to shoot while the wrong player was fouled, what is the consequence?

If an official erroneously allows a free throw shooter to shoot while the wrong player was fouled, what is the consequence?

• A. The shooter may keep the points scored
• B. The official must cancel the free throw and restart play
• C. The wrong player must be awarded their free throw attempts
• D. No consequence as long as play continues smoothly

Answer: (B)

When a free throw shooter is erroneously allowed to shoot because the wrong player was fouled, the correct course of action is to cancel the free throw and restart play. This is because the fundamental principles of the game dictate that free throws are awarded to the player who was actually fouled. Allowing the incorrect player to shoot creates a situation that can affect the fairness of the game. Therefore, it is essential for officials to maintain the integrity of the rules by correcting this error, even if the shooter has already taken the shot. Cancelling the free throw ensures that the right player has the opportunity to take their free throw attempts as intended by the rules of the game. This action re-establishes the correct sequence of play and ensures that the game adheres to the regulations set forth by the governing bodies.

When a free throw shooter is erroneously allowed to shoot because the wrong player was fouled, the correct course of action is to cancel the free throw and restart play. This is because the fundamental principles of the game dictate that free throws are awarded to the player who was actually fouled. Allowing the incorrect player to shoot creates a situation that can affect the fairness of the game. Therefore, it is essential for officials to maintain the integrity of the rules by correcting this error, even if the shooter has already taken the shot. Cancelling the free throw ensures that the right player has the opportunity to take their free throw attempts as intended by the rules of the game. This action re-establishes the correct sequence of play and ensures that the game adheres to the regulations set forth by the governing bodies.