Question Number: 21820

Law 15 - Throw In 8/23/2009

RE: U14 division 1 boys Under 15

Rob of Houston, TX USA asks...

On a sideline throw-in, is a defender allowed to be inbounds and directly infront of the throwing player attempting to block the ball. The ref made no call while the throwing player, without moving his feet, faked several direction and finally threw around the defender. This brief delay stopped our team's momentum and allowed the defensive team to take a better position.

Parents were screaming about 0 feet or something, but I found nothing specific in my soccer rule book.

Can a defender do this?

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Rob, I know what the problem is. You looked at the rule book but you should really look at the FIFA Laws of the Game book. In Law 15 it clearly states just exactly how far an opponent has to be on a throw-in. I normally warn once and caution (yellow card in your rule book) the second time.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Law 15 says, 'All opponents must stand no less than 2 m (2 yds) from the point at which the throw-in is taken.' If your soccer rule book doesn't say anything about that, you need to download a newer version of the Laws from fifa.com.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Opponents must retire 2 yards from the spot where the throw will be taken. Failure to do so may result in a caution for the player who failed to retire and a re-throw by the opponent. The referee should warn them first, although that is not required.

The thrower is allowed a distance of 3 feet on either side of where the ball exited the field from which to throw - meaning he can move away from the defender. If the defender actually moves with him the referee should intervene immediately, either by voice or with the whistle.

Some coaches think it is good tactics to have their players try this on throw-ins, and because not enough referees have the necessary fortitude to stop it, it is sometimes successful. Of course, they always run the risk that a good referee will punish the tactic, and if they don't learn with the first yellow card, there will be more.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The opponent must be at least 2 yards from the player taking the throw. Further, he may not do anything to interfere with the throw such as jumping up and down and waving his hands like you see basketball players do at an inbound pass.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 21833