Question Number: 18115

Law 15 - Throw In 12/11/2007

RE: comp High School

John of Portland, Oregon USA asks...

Flip throws ? What are the legal qualifiers? Saw a NCAA womens game where a "thrower" landed inside the field of play?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The legal qualifiers are the same as for any throw: from where the ball left the field, face the field, both feet on or behind the touchline, both hands on the ball and the throwing motion comes from behind and over the head. Sounds like the throw you saw was illegal and the other team should have gotten the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Were the thrower's feet *completely* inside the field of play? The requirement is that *part* of each foot is on or behind the line. It is allowable for the other part of the foot to go over the line.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The feet must be on the ground on or behind the touchline when the ball is released as per proceedure. IF the feet are COMPLETELY inside the field with no part of them touching the touchline then the trhow in is not performed correctly and the opposing team is awarded posession for a new throw in. At times the gymnastic ability is being watched too closely rather than if all points of a legal throw are performed correctly.
Cheers