Question Number: 22121

Law 15 - Throw In 10/1/2009

RE: Under 10

martin graham of middlesbrough, England asks...

When a ball goes out of play for a throw. Can the player who is taking the throw take it froma point further back up the pitch towards his own goal or must he take it from where it went out of play?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Martin
The throw is taken from where it left the field of play. There is a misconception that it can be taken further back from where it went out, that is nearer the team own goal. This myth is added to by teams not complaining about this and referees then lets play continue. I constantly have to watch for this by being alert to the quick throw in that is taken maybe 10/12 yards away from the correct spot. If I see that about to happen I usually blow and instruct the taker to move to the correct place. Sometimes it does happen and I then have to make a call on whether to stop play, go with a retake or turn it over.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Many people don't see what the problem is by taking a throw closer to his own goal; the common perception is that he's only disadvantaging himself by losing field position, thus should be allowed to do so.

However, a player would not do this unless it is to his benefit. By taking the throw in closer to his own goal than it should be, the player usually finds more space - such as by being able to throw it to a player further back who now has more time with the ball than he would further up field and closer to his opponents.

Taking a throw in closer to your own goal can give just as much - if not more - of an advantage than taking it too far upfield.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Law 15 used to specify that the ball is thrown in from the point where it left the field, and that is still the current correct mechanic. Common practice is to allow a leeway of a meter from that point in which to take the throw.

Throwing it from a different spot leaves the thrower open to a violation of Law 15, a whistle from the referee and the throw now going to the other team.