rules crenshaw v. compton

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SoCalHoops High School News

Rules, Rules, Rules: The Compton v.
Crenshaw Finish--(Jan 25, 1999)

We don't make this stuff up. Really we don't. Many of you who read our report and correspondent Jason Day's report of the wild finish at last week's Compton v. Crenshaw game at the 5th Annual Dream Classic were as puzzled as we were by the referees' call at the end of the game. So was one unnamed and unsigned letter-writer (who goes by the name of H20Power@aol.com), but this guy had a much better explanation than we did for what transpired at the end of the game. Here's what someone who obviously knows better had to say:

Major props to all of you at SoCalHoops. All I can say is that it is about time someone gave basketball in are area the kind of attention that you guys do.

This is the rule interpretation as I understand it (given the information in the play that you described.) In high school "any player who leaves the confines of the bench during a fight is disqualified with a flagrant technical, a maximum of two free throws are awarded regardless how many people left the bench -unless the free throws offset because of similar actions by the other team" It is possible that the officials ruled that the Crenshaw players stood up, thereby left the confines of the bench (that is purely speculation on my part.)

As far as the administration of the free throws are concerned, in the situation as you have explained it, the lanes would have to be cleared because of the double technicals (3 on Compton 3 on Crenshaw), Dawson would still get the two free throws to which he was entitled, and due to the double tech, the
ball would have been put in play after the throws by the A.P. arrow at the division line. You are correct in your assumption about the situation, almost the exact same play is outlined in the case book for officials - it is a clear cut rule.

In any event I would like to thank you for being fair to the officials, other writers would have "slammed" them first and retracted later. Good lookin out! And I will be checkin SoCalHoops out. Keep up the good work. LATER!!!

Thanks, we'll try.