Question Number: 21903

Law 15 - Throw In 9/7/2009

RE: Rec Under 15

Joe Gostin of Gig Harbor, WA USA asks...

What direction is the restart if a player performs an illegal throw-in (i.e. one foot on the ground)but the ball never re-enters the field of play?

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Joe, the team loses the throw-in and the other team takes the throw. The referee points in the direction of the attack, i.e. the other way than the first throw-in.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This was either changed or clarified (depending on what your previous understanding was) a couple years ago by FIFA. It is now found in the Interpretations on the Laws of the Game and Guidance for Referees section of the Laws of the Game (not found in your USSF-printed copy, but can be downloaded at fifa.com). There it says, 'If the ball touches the ground before entering the fi eld of play, the throw-in is retaken by the same team from the same position provided that it was taken in line with the correct procedure. If the throw-in is not taken in line with the correct procedure, it is retaken by the opposing team.' In former times, many referees and even entire FA's didn't observe that last sentence - which answers your question exactly.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Of course, this raises the logical question: if the ball never came into play, how can the restart be changed? It has long been tradition that a restart can never be changed if the ball is not put into play. FIFA has now twice changed this. First when they decided a PK that is heeled backwards (hence, never put into play) results in an IFK for the opponents. Now this. It baffles me that ANY restart can be changed if the ball is never put into play. That said, these are the rules and we must abide by them