Question Number: 20113

Law 15 - Throw In 9/29/2008

RE: competive College

jose of morehead city, nc usa asks...

Ok. I was taking throw in the other day and was i got a called for illegal throw in. The referee said that, while taking the throw in my foot was sliding on the ground. I had always taken throw ins like this and they were never called until that day? Isn't sliding one foot still considered legal since I have both feet on the ground and both hands on the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jose,
yes you are correct a sliding or toe drag generally is ok but if the referee has a differet version being right will not help you, adapt and avoid a loss of possession. You could ensure the referee receives some mentoring or training tips from the head referee by recording and reporting these made up ideas many referees seem to develop!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Your throw is absolutely legal, the referee is being creative trying to find something wrong. That said, for that game, once the referee told you it was illegal to slide the foot, you should stop.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

That's ok so long as the foot remains in contact with the ground during the throw.