Question Number: 22039

Law 15 - Throw In 9/21/2009

RE: Rec Under 15

Todd of Clearwater, KS US asks...

I was watching the Colorado vs San Jose MLS game over the weekend and noticed that on at least 3 occasions when San Jose was attempting a throw-in, a Colorado defender would stand about 2- 3 yards away but would jump up and down in front of the thrower. On each occasion, this was in the Colorado defensive end of the field. I had not noticed this practiced before and was wondering if this should be allowed. My initial reaction was that this might be considered unfairly distracting or impeding the thrower. Would the interpretation be different considering the age group and/or level of play?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It is not lawful for the defender to jump and down to hinder the taking of a throw in. At the highest levels, however, the referee probably considered it trifling since the players seemed to accept the infringement as minor. (It would be interesting to know if the match assessor viewed it as minor.)

This kind of behavior stops if the referee is proactive the first time it appears. A public warning will usually end it. But, please put a stop to it. Otherwise, the thrower may stop it by aiming the ball at the defender's nose.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
This is covered in Law 15 of the Laws of the Game. Opponents must be at least 2+ yards from the thrower and if an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour and the throw in is retaken. It is the referee's opinion what is distraction and impeding and anything inside the 2+ yards must be dealt with.
I personally would not allow this to happen and the ref should be proactive on this through pervention

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

This is not allowed. A caution for unsporting behavior may be issued if an opponent impedes a player from taking a throw-in. I really wish MLS referees would enforce the LOTG as it would make the rest of us job's easier. Youth players see MLS players getting away with this and other forbidden actions and think it's ok for them to mimic this illegal and unfair behavior.