Question Number: 17588

Law 15 - Throw In 10/29/2007

RE: competitive Under 15

Dean Burgess of chicopee, massachusetts usa asks...

Law 15

I was the center ref for a U11 girls game. The player to make a throw-in had the ball behind her head, two hands on the ball, and both feet on the ground. When she threw the ball, it was a soft throw and only went about 4 feet from her. She did not touch the ball a second time. I let the throw go as a good throw. I recieved much grief from the opposing coach. She did this 3 times, but I felt it was good execution legally even though she fell short of making a power throw. I have searched for anything that she may have done illegally, but could not find any fouls. Who is right? I feel that I am, of course.

The only foul I saw out of the whole event was Dissent from the opposing coach, which I was ready to caution.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You are right. You've described a fair throw. Handle the coach also. He needs to be quiet even if he were correct which he is not

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Law 15 specifies many things concerning a throw-in though not actually how hard it must be thrown. That is up to the player's manager or coach. The other coach, well he is in his technical area to give tactical instructions to his team and surely the other player and the referee don't qualify in that regard. One needs to ask him if he's conducting himself responsibly. Usually those coaches have no clue about what that means so I would be prepared to have a one way discussion to explain that would end shake your head if you understand sir...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Wimpy throws aren't illegal throws. Ugly throws aren't illegal throws. Illegal throws are illegal throws. As long as it meets the mechanics given in the Laws, it's legal.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Dean,
I teach as a coach a drop throw which drops a ball inches onto the field as our striker runs by. Nothing says a ball must travel any great distance.
As to dissent from coach
Coach I require from you only reasonable behaviour, tactical advise to your team from inside your technical area not a referee commentary on the injustice or merits of a correctly taken throw in.
Coach, please refrain from commenting or face trying to discern the throw ins from the parking lot.
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 18966