Question Number: 20665

Law 15 - Throw In 12/13/2008

RE: Rec Other

Jon of Austin, TX USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 20652

Quick question related to this. What about if a ball is thrown in, but not STRAIGHT over the head? I see players deliver the ball anywhere from 30-45 degrees to the left or right of the top of their head, and I see it called for a bad throw about 50% of the time. Man I can't believe I haven't visited the site in a few months.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

A throw-in is simply a method of restarting play. If, in the opinion of the referee, having the ball not come from behind and over the head adversely affects the other team, the thow could be called foul - or it could simply be considered as a trifling offense and let go.

From behind and over the head is a broad definition. A ball that is thrown from near the ear is clearly not 'over the head', but there is a pretty wide angle up there that still qualifies as 'over'. It doesn't have to be perfect or beautiful to be legal.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The ball is supposed to come from behind and over the head. If it's being thrown in another manner and not deemed trifling by the referee, it's a foul throw and we award the throw to the other team. Keep in mind that the purpose of the throw-in is to get play restarted. At the lower levels of play, referees pay an inordinate amount of attention to throw-ins.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

A person's head is pretty close to the size of a soccer ball. If the centerline of the ball is aligned with the centerline of the head, there will be very little exposed space if seen from directly overhead. Move the hands a half a ball width sideways, and there could be a small sliver of the ball eclipsing a small sliver of the head, maybe just the ear and a few hairs. Move the ball any more to the side, and the ball won't be over the player's head, it will be over his shoulder. That would be an improper throw.