Although the Hawkeye women’s and men’s basketball teams won’t tip off their regular seasons until Nov. 14 and 15, respectively, Recreational Services is getting a head start on the upcoming hoops season.

Recreational Services is giving students, staff, and the general public a shot to show off their skills from the charity stripe.

The first-ever intramural free-throw competition will be held at the Krause Family Plaza, located just outside of Kinnick Stadium, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., before the Hawkeye football team kicks off its Homecoming matchup with Michigan.

Anyone is welcome to participate, whether clad in Black and Gold or Maize and Blue. Although the latter team colors might get booed by the Iowa City faithful.

There is no cost to compete in the event — they’re called free throws for a reason.

Goalsetter systems and Sport Court are providing customized portable basketball court and hoops for the competition, said Mike Widen, an associate director of intramurals.

Goalsetter Systems, based in Lynnville, Iowa, will showcase its adjustable height basketball goals as well as its customized Hawkeye merchandise. Items include basketball hoop pole pads with the Tigerhawk logo, a wall-mounted basketball hoop with a glass backboard — perfect for the bedroom or dorm room — and glass tables out of basketball rims and coffee tables made out of backboards.

“We’re big supporters of the UI,” said Goalsetter project coordinator Teryl Verploeg. “These items we’re showcasing will allow you to promote your team pride.”

Each shooter will have 10 attempts from the foul line in the preliminary round, which will go from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants who make seven out of 10 shots will be invited back for the championship round, in which each shooter will then receive five shots apiece.

In the event of a tie, shooters will then be given three shots. If a winner still hasn’t been crowned, there will be a one-shot sudden-death round.

The winner will receive a coveted intramural champion T-shirt and the pride of knowing that he or she can probably shoot a higher percentage at the foul line than Shaquille O’Neal.

Throughout the event, Recreational Services will also hand out a plethora of other prizes, including T-shirts, gift certificates, and tickets to upcoming men’s and women’s basketball games.

Even after the free-throw competition is over, there will still be plenty to do on the customized court before heading into Kinnick Stadium.

Members of the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the women’s gymnastics team will be on hand to sign autographs, take pictures, and give out team posters and schedules.

“We want to give some fans the opportunity to get on the court for a chance to win some great prizes,” Widen said. “It’s the perfect way to get us geared up for the basketball season.”