Final answer:
Leaving the bench to join an altercation on the field in basketball results in a technical foul penalty, which awards the opposing team with free throws and possession of the ball.
Step-by-step explanation:
In basketball, leaving the bench to join an altercation on the field is considered a serious offense and can result in a penalty. The penalty is known as a technical foul, which is assessed to the player who left the bench. This foul results in the opposing team being awarded free throws and possession of the ball.
For example, if a player from one team leaves the bench during an altercation, the opposing team will be awarded two free throws and possession of the ball. This penalty serves as a deterrent to prevent players from escalating altercations and maintains the safety and fairness of the game.