Question Number: 22139

Law 15 - Throw In 10/3/2009

RE: AYSO or CLUB Under 19

Michael Hinz of Manhattan Beach, CA USA asks...

During a throw-in by the blue team, can a red team player standing more then 2 yards away jump?

Is it answer different if;

1) the red player is making an attempt to play the ball?
2) the red player is just jumping up and down?
3) the red team player does not have anyone else around?
4) the red team player is in a group of other players?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

You say Jump!

A Jump in of it self is likely not a reason to seek a caution .
Now if we start the big bird imitation or add jumping jacks with some verbal 1 and a 2 and a 3, things begin to smell, the nose starts to crinkle and we look harder!

The 2 meter distance was done to allow the throw-in to occur from the point the ball left without an opponent standing at that point.

While we can keep an open mind here if the opponent is bobbing like a cork or jumping in an irregular way that causes us to consider it could be USB a simple word to the culprit to stop any action we really do not like! Only under the most unlikely circumstances are we ever going to NEED to caution show a yellow card for any goofy jumping action.

The fact the laws permit something is not an excuse to go looking for it! Proactive and preventive if that stops the beahiour then the need to show a card is diminished!
'If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower:
? he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour'
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The Laws still say,
'If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower:
? he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour'.
However with the 2-yard/meter distance established a couple years ago, this distraction factor has diminished dramatically. It used to be the player could stand right in the thrower's face, and any jumping or waving of arms at that distance would be distracting. Two yards away, it's much less of an effect.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Michael, aside from being 2m away from the thrower, the opponents can do whatever they like as long it does not contravene other Laws.
1. Jumping to play the ball is what soccer players do. You can and SHOULD do this all the time.
2. No law against 'just' jumping up and down.
3. Still no law against 'just' jumping up and down.
4. No law against"just" jumping up and down in a group.
If the thrower is distracted by only jumping 2m away perhaps he should get a new psychiatrist.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Hinz
As you know what is certain is that an opponent must not stand within 2 yards of the throw in. The law also states that if an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour. So the test for me is the action deserving of a caution? In general I am of the view that a player who is back more than 2 yards from the thrower can jump to intercept the ball either on his own or challenging with a group. What I would not allow is a player just simply jumping up and down or waving his arms. So to answer your question 1, 3, 4 are allowed more than two yards away whereas 2 in my opinion is not.

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

See Question: 22514