Question Number: 20598

Law 15 - Throw In 11/27/2008

RE: Select Under 11

Chris of Irvine, CA USA asks...

Years ago when I played youth, high school and collegiate soccer, a throw-in was ruled illegal if the ball had significant side spin in flight. Side-spin showed that one hand was dominant in the throw and perhaps one hand stayed on the ball a fraction longer than the other(a 1 handed throw).

Now that I read the 2008/9 Laws of the Game, I see no mention of this other than facing the field of play and two hands on the ball at the moment of delivery.

Youth games in my region do not seem to call a bad throw based on side-spin. I also recently saw an collegiate tournament game (NCAA Big West Championship) where a player routinely threw the ball into the goal mouth, but with such side spin that it seemed clear to me these throws would have been illegal when I played.

Is there a new interpretation of the throw-in law?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

A Myth of the Game - a spinning throw-in is illegal. It is not true, and never has been.

It doesn't matter if the ball spins, as long as the delivery met the terms of the Law. Those are simple: face the field, use both (or all) hands, bring the ball from behind and over the head, have both feet on or behind the touchline, from the spot where the ball left the field.

What you may be remembering is players who throw the ball coming around the side of the head instead of over. This can cause it to spin, but that isn't the reason the throw is illegal - it is because it did not come from behind and over the head.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Years ago and thru today, this is one of the many persistent myths of the game. It's perfectly legal for the ball to be thrown with side spin as long as the criteria of Law 15 are met. Advice to Referees states 'There is no requirement in Law 15 prohibiting spin or rotational movement.' I am, however, curious about your comment regarding the ball being thrown at the goal mouth. A goal may NOT be scored directly from a throw-in. If the player threw the ball into the goal and it didn't touch another player before entering the goal, there would be no goal and we would restart with a goal kick or corner kick depending on which team took the throw

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

NOT illegal likely misinterpreted. Unless the ball was deemed not to travel over the head as in a side arm keeper style throw, spin is in!
Cheers