Question Number: 20936

Law 15 - Throw In 3/6/2009

RE: Adult

CHRIS of boston, lincs uk asks...

This question is a follow up to question 1234

if a player takes a throw in and it hits the referee then goes in the goal, without touching another player would this be a goal or not?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Law 15 requires that the ball touch another player before it can score off of a throw-in.

Thankfully, the referee is not a player.

Sadly, then, the ball in the goal off a throw-in by an opponent is only a goal kick.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

No goal. A goal cannot be scored directly on a throw-in. The referee is not a player and therefore if the ball goes into the net after bouncing off the referee, it's still considered as going directly into the net.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The referee is just a part of the field. On a throw-in, the ball must touch a PLAYER before a goal can be scored so no goal.