Question Number: 13313

Law 15 - Throw In 7/11/2006

Michael of Palatine, IL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 12508

Please advise as to when the ball is specifically back IN play on a throw-in...Assuming a proper throw. Is it when the whole of the ball passes the outside edge of the touchline, or the inside edge of the touchline. I admit that from my experience, nobody really argues if the AR simply responds that "it never went in" and a re-throw is taken. Nathan Lacy alluded to this question in the response to question 12508... logically implying that since the ball is moving inbound it would be the whole ball crossing the inside edge. However, Law 9 clearly indicates when the ball is out of play per the lines, and then says, The ball is in play at all other times.... Could this then imply that the ball is back inplay if ANY part of it breaks the outside edge of the touchline? Sorry for the triffling question, thanks again for your consideration.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Not trifling Michael. Any part of the ball touching any part of the plane extending upwards from the touchline makes the ball on the field just like it is when leaving the field. The other thing to consider is the ball must leave the hands too. The Law kinda ignores that little tidbit but when you think it through it must leave the hands before entering play or else there would be tons of handling infractions on throw-ins. I'll look again at Ref Lacy's comments...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

When any part of the ball crosses the plane of the touch line and leaves the hands of the thrower.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Actually, good question and one most referees would get wrong! When any part of the ball touches or goes over any part of the touchline, it's back in play.