Question Number: 20092

Law 15 - Throw In 9/28/2008

RE: Under 11

chris of stillwater, mn usa asks...

From throw in can defender head ball back to keeper to catch? We understand the keeper cannot catch the ball directly from the throw, is that correct?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Yes and yes. The keeper is free to play any ball directly thrown him by a teammate with any part of his body other than his hands but the ball must touch another player before he may handle it.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Chris,
the keeper as one of 11 players is free to receive any pass by a team mate including a direct throw in!
The keeper is restricted ONLY in the use of his hands inside his penalty area ONLY if a team mate does a direct throw in or a team mate's deliberate kick of the ball by a team mate to the keeper. If you are asking can one teammate throw it to the head of another and be redirected to the keeper there could be an attempt to circumvent the laws but as a free ball in play it is risky and any opponent may challange. Such action is illegal but interestingly who gets the caution for USB and does it occur before the throw in?
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

I would really have to be there and see this to get the feel for what's going on. But it's suspicious enough activity to give pause for the thought: circumenting the LOTG. If the referee makes this decision, then regardless if the goal keeper used their hands (while in their own penalty area) to play the ball or not, play would be stopped. The player heading the ball to the keeper would be cautioned and shown the yellow card for unsporting behavior. An IFK given at the point of the infraction/misconduct (which would be where the player was when they headed the ball back to the keeper.)