Question Number: 19183

Law 15 - Throw In 5/23/2008

RE: 9 Under 14

Lynch of Eastlake, OH 44095 asks...

The rules for a throw-in are pretty standard. But I have a few questions regarding throw-ins. Can a throw-in be spiked into the ground if he complies with all the other rules for a throw-in, or can he go with the forward motion only to let the ball drop straight down out of his hands?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

An ugly or wimpy throw doesn't necessarily make an illegal throw.

Advice to Referees 15.3 has this to say: "A throw-in directed straight downward (often referred to as a "spike") has traditionally been regarded as not correctly performed; if, in the opinion of the referee such a throw-in was incorrectly performed, the restart should be awarded to the opposing team."

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Lynch, you'll note that the quote is "traditionally been regarded" and not "become traditional". This offers the referee great latitude in judging the "spiked" throw-in as correct or not. If a player wants too throw the ball a distance of a foot or so that's fine with me and should be OK with his opponents.

If she drops the ball from her hands it has not been thrown, has it? Now that's another story...

Regards,