Question Number: 17994

Law 15 - Throw In 11/25/2007

RE: recreational Adult

noel lopez of aurora, il usa asks...

at my last game the opposing team would have a lot of spin on their throw-ins. i repeatedly told the ref to watch the spin on the ball and that he should call a bad throw. the ref then asked me, "who told you that?". and i just shook my head knowing it was pointless to argue with him. so can you please let me know who is wrong in this situation? and also if you can, send me a link to where i can print something out and give it to the ref. thank you

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

A couple of things are wrong here. First, you are misinformed as to the requirements for a correct throw-in. They can be found in Law 15. As we like to say, "Spin is no sin." There is no prohibition on a ball spinning from a throw-in.

Second, you are trying to tell the ref how to call the game ("he should call a bad throw"). You are a player in the game, not the referee. Players play, the coach coaches, the referee refs - and it all works out to the best. Fortunately you had the sense to walk away. It would be a shame to get a caution for dissent or unsporting behavior for arguing a point on which you were wrong.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Noel,
A throw in is a simple method to restart play after play was stopped, there is no foul involved, it is only a way to get the game restarted!

It is a MYTH that a spin of the ball on a throw -in is incorrect. While it is to your credit you knew enough not to argue, as a caution for dissent on a point of law in which you are wrong would certainly irritate you because you are unaware of how wrong you were! There is no procedural definition for the ball being thrown in with equal strength from either hand nor is a ball placed in to play via a shot put style or with a ball that falls in front of the thrower at 6 inches. Two hands from behind and over the head.

Procedure
At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:
-faces the field of play;
-has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line
-uses both hands
-delivers the ball from behind and over his head

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Law 15 states the ball is delivered from over and behind the head using both hands. It mentions nothing about how much spin is generated by that action. Further using both hands does not imply using both hands with an equal force.

At least you were savvy enough to understand the fact of arguing with a referee is pointless. Well done there. Also, well done on perpetuating a myth. We need more players like you telling everyone things supported only in myths so more referees will have great difficulty enforcing the Laws as written. Please don't do this any more Noel.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

It was pointless to argue with him because you were wrong. The Law mentions nothing about spin and Advice To Referees specifically tells us that spin is allowed as long as all the other elements of Law 15 are met. You can go to www.ussoccer.org and click on Advice To Referees. I wouldn't give it to the referee as he obviously knows the Law but you should read it. Appears this is another example of a player believing a myth and making a fool of himself by opening his mouth and showing everyone just how little he knows.