Question Number: 20713

Law 15 - Throw In 1/5/2009

RE: Grade 8 Under 16

Joe Brennan of NY, NY USA asks...

What is the restart on a ball thrown directly into the net from a throw in? And where?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Law 15 tells us a goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. So, if the ball goes directly in the net, what has happened? The ball crossed the goal line, last touched by the throwing team, and a goal was not scored. Do those words sound familiar? They should, because they are the definition of a goal kick (if the thrower was on the attacking team) or a corner kick (if the thrower was on the defending team, i.e. the ball went into the thrower's own net). And we all know the location for goal kicks or corner kicks.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Since Law 15 tells us a goal may NOT be scored directly from a throw-in, the result of such action is either a goal kick or a corner kick depending on who threw the ball into which goal. If a player throws the ball into his own goal the restart is a corner kick for the opponents. If a player throws the ball into the opponents net the result is a goal kick, ball last touched by an attacker crosses the goal line and a goal is not scored.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

As NO goal can result on a DIRECTLY throw in ball, yet we must restart by the nature of who last played the ball prior to crossing the goal line. Thus the restart is either a goal kick or a corner kick depending on whether you DIRECTLY throw the ball into your goal or the opposition's goal.

On a THROW - IN once that ball crosses into the field ANY legal touch of the ball no matter how tiny by ANY player, keeper's included creates a new phase of play! The word DIRECT no longer applies to the throw in and a goal is awarded if that ball continues into the goal at either end, restart kick off.
CHeers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

As a referee, you should know that if a ball is thrown directly into the opponent's goal the restart is a goal kick.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Joe this information may be found in US Soccer's Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game paragraph 15.6.

Regards,