Question Number: 20783

Law 15 - Throw In 1/31/2009

RE: Rec Under 15

Jeffrey of Hamilton, VA USA asks...

On a throw in, the thrower is allowed 1 yard(1meter) in either direction up or down the touchline. In the scenario, lets say the thrower advances 2 yards up; you ask him to move up he refuses. Of course you caution him, but what category of cautionable offenses does it fall under( unsporting behavior, dissent by action, delaying the restart of play, or failure to respect required distance)

Thanks,
Jeff

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Why caution him? Let him throw it, blow the whistle and award the throw the other direction. If he doesn't throw it from the correct spot (which the referee determines) then the throw is illegally taken. Restart to the other team.

It has the advantage of being a quick and easy fix. No fuss, no muss, and I'll guarantee his team will be sure it doesn't happen again.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The reason it is difficult to find the category of cautionable offences under which this falls is because it isn't cautioned. It is handled by Law 15 - The Throw-In.

What we find there is if the thrower infringes the Law the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team. Simple, to the point and not all that controversial...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

When a throw in is performed the referee SHOULD point out the correct location. The players who choose to not pay attention suffers a loss of ball possession! If you perform a throw in incorrectly (as in from the wrong location) then the ball is awarded to the opposition for a rethrow in their favour. Save the yellow plastic for more important things .
Cheers