Question Number: 18477

Law 15 - Throw In 3/5/2008

RE: Rec College

Ron of Baltimore, MD USA asks...

What do you do when one player from each side (white and blue) are jostling for the ball, it goes out of play, and you're certain from sight and sound the white player was the last to touch it... but the blue player proceeds to go after the ball for the throw-in and white runs down the field to get in defensive position. Obviously they both agree white was last to touch it, but you're certain you saw blue. They were closer, they both agree, so do you "call it like you see it" as some tell me and get puzzled looks from both, or go with common sense and reverse your indication? Or only indicate when they look at you to make the call?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Simple you as referee MAKE a decision.
IF the players indicate something, because you are not sure especially in the area of the field where attacking opportunity is limited by all means let the throw in continue since they are happy to do so.
IF though you are CERTAIN the throw in must be a certain direction call it out and stick to it. Do not reverse throw in decisions. Look to the AR and communicate if he is unsure then you are forced to decide based on what you know to be true.

It is an accepted practise that if doubt exisits on who last touched a ball referee awards a throw in or a goal kick to the defending team in areas where scoring opportunity might occur.

You could say to the teams if I make a mistake in your favour you can always return the ball back to the other team.
Not very often do they do so do they?
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Usually, when I see that sort of thing I stay out of it. The players have decided for me. If I am 100% sure, then I may interject, but usually in those situations I'm not too sure anyway.

Reading the players is an important skill to master.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I agree with Ref Montanino. Often I will watch and see what the players do after a ball goes into touch.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The idea is once the players have decided what is fair to them you shouldn't intervene. A troubling thing with this line of thought is what are your assistants doing to step on your decision?

Bottom line if the players decide you don't need to signal as they already have things under control. Make sure your assistant isn't mucking things up by flagging and making a nuisance of himself.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I hate being the only person on the field that didn't see what happened. Or even worse, having an opinion of what happened that differed from everyone else.

That said, if for some reason you really believe that Blue kicked it out, the throw-in goes to White. No matter what the players say to you. Take the advice of a neutral AR, but be wary about believing players and coaches. I had one game where V coach was disputing some of my calls. I called a throw-in in favor of his team, and he said that it should be in favor of the H team. OK, H throw, I'll believe the coach was being nice about it. Nope - he was trying to show me up - it really was V's ball. Why I let that coach stay at the game, I'm still asking myself.