Question Number: 21848

Law 15 - Throw In 8/27/2009

RE: rec Under 15

mike of Owensville, MO United States asks...

if one player is going to throw the ball in and the coach wants someone else to do it can you throw the ball to the player. if the second player is still in the field of play?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Toss it underhanded or make a basketball push pass or you might get pegged for a faulty throw-in or your team mate for a deliberate handling! ;o)
In some cases this could be considered a time wasting act and you could even be sanctioned with a caution shown the yellow card for USB of delaying the restart.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If it's obvious that the toss to the teammate isn't an attempt at taking the throw-in, it's OK.

But all players should learn to take throw-ins. If one player is ready to take it, and then waits for the 'throw-in specialist' to get there to take the throw, she could be cautioned for delaying the restart.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Sure. You see this happen all the time. Since play has stopped, there's no infraction for the player on the field if he catches the ball in his hands. The player no longer taking the throw-in should throw the ball to his teammate in such a manner so that it is clear he is not taking a throw-in but merely giving the ball to a teammate that will be taking the throw-in.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Mike, I am not sure what made you ask this question. Something must have happened.
First, it is nothing to do with the coach. Second, it is irrelvant if the other player is on the field or not. If the referee feels that there is no gamesmanship in delaying the game the referee should not care whether the first or second person on the scene throws in the ball.
Many years ago my son threw the ball in to his team mate and that player caught the ball intending on taking a throw. Unfortunately it WAS a legal throw and I didn't realize what was happening so I called a hand ball. When they explained what happened it was too late and the free kick was taken.