Question Number: 18876

Law 15 - Throw In 4/24/2008

RE: select Under 15

al of roswell, nm usa asks...

is it legal to put "spin" on the ball during a throw-in? it seems fairly difficult to spin the ball and bring it directly over the head

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

There is nothing illegal in and of itself by putting spin on the ball. It's another popular myth that if the ball has spin it must be a foul throw.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

There is no prohibition in the Laws of the Game, Law 15, against putting spin on the ball. The only requirements for a legal throw remain: from the location where the ball exited the field, using both (or all) hands on the ball, bringing it from behind and over the head, while facing the field (almost impossible not to do this) and with both feet (or any part of the feet) on or behind the touchline.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

It is legal to throw the ball with both arms from over and behind the head with one or both feet on the touchline or off the field at the point where the ball left the field whilst facing the field of play. If the ball spins or doesn't spin is not a consideration of an improperly thrown ball.

When teaching new referees I will throw the ball using, predominately, the left or the right arm and not let it spin. Many think this is a legal throw until they see I'm using only the one hand. Then I will let the ball spin whilst using both hands and many think this is incorrect until I tell them to find in Law 15 where it says the ball can't spin. Most have truly funny looks on their faces after someone reads the Law...

Regards,