Question Number: 20381

Law 15 - Throw In 10/27/2008

RE: Semi-Pro Adult

Peter Maxey of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom asks...

Hi,

I was wondering the following: I play in a side where one of my team mates only has one arm. Consequently, he is unable to take throw-ins. However, if a team were to possess 11 players who all only had one arm, how would that team take a throw-in without committing a foul throw every time?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Actually, he would be permitted to do this now, so long as he follows the rest of Law 15, he would be fine.

Just make sure he reviews the law and follows it... also, it's probably wise to go ahead and ask the referee if he will allow it, as he may not be so enlightend, and it's better to know if you're going to run into a problem ahead of time!

I once had this in a game, where the player followed the rule properly, and an opponent yelled out that it was an illegal throw-in because he didn't use 'both' hands... I gave him a dirty scowl and some of his teammates shut him down, before I had to, and before the one-armed-player had to either! Good for those guys.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A player with only one arm may legally take a throw-in as long as the rest of the requirements of Law 15 are met

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The biggest difficultly for someone with the use of only one arm is the requirement that the ball come from behind and over the head. They will tend to sidearm it, which is not allowed. Explain that, and off we go - should be no problems.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

If a one armed soccer player legitamately attempted to follow the normal throw-in procedure only a bonehead referee would find cause to object. We make allowances! The key is no side arm slings or or keeper style lobs are going to be permitted.
Cheers