Question Number: 21700

Law 15 - Throw In 7/26/2009

RE: Youth, Amateur, High School Other

Dan Nordmeyer of Beavercreek, Ohio USA asks...

I find the Laws of the Game to be a very consistent and logical document. With one glaring exception. The treatment of the touch line is bi-polar, for lack of a better word. When dealing with a ball in or out of play, the entire touch line is in play. When dealing with throw-ins, however, the touch line is treated like it is NOT part of the field of play. In fact, a player taking a throw-in can have his feet entirely on the touch-line or off the pitch entirely and its all the same. But when he releases the ball, the moment it crosses a plane extending up from the edge of the touch line, it is in play. Why is the touch line treated in this inconsistent manner?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

It appears this is a holdover from an ancient version of the Laws of the Game. Way back when, the throw-in had to be taken with a player's feet on the line, and he had to throw it perpendicular to the touch line. While IFAB changed it so the player no longer had to have feet on the line, they still allowed it.

Incidentally, the perpendicular throw requirement also seems to be the rationale for exempting offside at a throw-in. At that time, even was offside, not onside like today. So if a player lined up with his teammate taking the throw, he wouldn't have been able to receive it.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I like your description as being bi-polar. The touchline has confused many people over the years.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Dan, you want to talk about inconsistencies?? How about: when is the ball in play? Let's talk about PKs. So the ball is in play when 'it is kicked and moves forward'. Right?? Well, not really... Apparently if it is kicked BACKWARDS it is in play because the kicker LOSES control of the ball and an IFK is awarded the defenders. Not consistent with kick-off procedure where the the ball is in play when it is 'kicked and moves forward'. If it isn't, it is a retake. Not so in PKs. Ever thought about that?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The halfway line has a similar duality. At a kickoff, each side must be in is own half, yet it would be lawful (dumb, but lawful) for all 22 players to stand on the halfway line. (Only the kicking team inside the center circle.)