Question Number: 21051

Law 15 - Throw In 3/28/2009

RE: Select Under 12

Coach Bob of miami, FL USA asks...

#1 In a recent game involving 12 year olds the ref blew the wistle on one of my players throw in and gave possession to the opposing team. To everyone on the field the throw looked fine although a bit robotic(remember these kids are 12yrs). Both hands went back over the players head, both hands came completely forward before releasing the ball, both feet were clearly on the ground on release of the ball. At half time I asked what it was that was wrong with the throw so that I could explain to the team for the future. His reply was a complete suprise as I had never heard this as part of the throw in rules. The referee explained that my player was 'leaning too far forward when he released the ball'(a down the line throw on the ground). Of course he is the referee and the call in game is his to make however this does not necessarily make him correct in applying Rule 15. So my question is.....If a player brings both hand back behind his head, brings both hands forward of his head, keeps both feet clearly on the ground, stays outside the field of play, is within 1 meter of where the ball went out, AND LEANS FAR FORWARD DURING THE ACTION OF RELEASING THE BALL, does this break the FIFA rule 15???

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The referee could have an opinion the player was not facing the field or lifted the feet off of the ground but the word lean too far ?NO ! It is a new one on me! Certainly not mentioned under LAW 15 but as you indicated LAW 5 made the referee's decisions for that match as part of the playing conditions. Best drop a (just to inform you friendly like) line to those who train and mentor the referee to have a chat with him about law 15.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Inventive referees are rarely creative where it matters. By which I mean this referee made up a reason when confronted with facts because he did not know the Law. Whether the player is leaning forward, backward or sideways is totally irrelevant. Report said referee to the referee assignor for re-education, please.

There are only 5 things to look for in a proper throw-in:
The throw is taken from where it left the field (within 3 feet).
The throw comes from behind and over the head (doesn't matter where it is released - within reason)
Both hands, or all hands are used in the throw (spin is allowed, as long as both hands are on the ball)
The thrower is facing the field (this is nearly impossible to fail)
And both feet are on or behind the touchline.

Throwers cannot throw from a kneeling or sitting position. Opponents are not allowed to impede the thrower in any way.

A throw can be ugly, but very legal. Referees should not spend an inordinate amount of time deciding on whether or not a throw was proper/legal or not. They should worry about it when it makes a difference to the game - is it unfair in some way, giving an unfair advantage to one team, is management of the game suffering if the throw-ins are allowed to proceed in an illegal manner.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I suppose the referee could have been trying to say the thrower spiked the ball by leaning forward? Doesn't make much sense. Have never heard a referee award a foul throw because of an inappropriate lean. I would have a word with your referee assignor about this.