Question Number: 1672

RE: all Other

Nick Wallace of Ephrata, WA USA asks...

I recently watched the USSF video "Myths of the Game". In the video was a segment on throw-ins, during which the commentator stated that there is nothing in Law 15 prohiting spin or rotation. This is true and accurate...The commentator then stated that a throw-in directed straight downward (a spike) is illegal. My difficulty with this contention is that I see nothing in Law 15 that prohibits a throw-in directly into the ground, just as I see nothing that prohibits spin or rotation. If the logic is that spin and rotation is acceptable because Law 15 does not prohibit these things, then a throw-in directed straight down must be acceptable as well because it is not precluded in Law 15...Please explain the basis for the claim that a throw-in directed straight down is illegal. Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Victor Matheson

I cannot explain how "spiking" the ball is illegal. This very statement in the video ruins the otherwise excellent video for me. As you say, I see nowhere in the LOTG that prohibits throwing the ball straight down. Why they added this little bit is beyond me.

Answer provided by Referee miller

The USSF Advice to Referees is specific on this issue (although I don't know what the rationale is) "15.3 PROPERLY TAKEN THROW-IN.?A throw-in directed straight downward (often referred to as a "spike") is therefore not correctly performed and may result in the restart being awarded to the opposing team. There is no requirement in Law 15 prohibiting spin or rotational movement."