Question Number: 22193

Law 15 - Throw In 10/9/2009

RE: Under 9

travis of charlotte, nc usa asks...

On a throw in, a player correctly uses two hands and keeps his feet on the ground, but is he allowed to slam the ball directly into the turf with considerable force? From what I know that is an illegal throw. Is that correct?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Travis
In Europe this type of throw in would not be allowed. Law 15 requires what I call 'implicit knowledge' to assist in interpreting what is written down. It is very difficult to write down what has become an acceptable way of taking a throw in.
Players/coaches/referees have an understanding of what is an acceptable throw in or reasonably close to it. This type of throw in will attract shouts of 'foul throw' from the opponents and it will not be allowed. I would also question the reason for doing it.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Travis, the LOTG states absolutely nothing about a 'spike' throw-in. If the throw meets all the criteria there is nothing wrong with the throw. Here are the main points:
*Faces the field of play
*Throw in from where the ball went out
*Feet outside of the field or on the line
*Use both hands
*Deliver ball from behind the head
If it is not the same motion from behind the head, as in stop at the top of the head and then change direction (quite likely in a spike) the ball was not delivered from behind the head. Otherwise you can do some funky things and it is still legal. For example, you can turn the body sharply as you throw but as long as PART of the body faces the field, it is OK. You can also throw using one hand more than the other making the ball spin. After all, the LAW was satisfied in using both hands. It is possible to do a somersault and whip the ball in. It is also possible to throw the ball in so gently that it lands just in front of you. All could be legal.
But your question is: 'Is he allowed?' Now we are talking what a referee would allow (in Charlotte) and how he applies these laws. I am stating here what the Law says but the US deviates in several respects from the Laws as made by IFAB.
You will find new referees call all kinds of legal throw-ins as illegal but don't worry about it. Half the time the ball is lost right away to the other team anyway...

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

That is considered to be a spike and not allowed in the US. Other countries may have different policy

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The USSF Advice To Referee provides, at 15.3 that:

'A throw-in directed straight downward (often referred to as a 'spike') has traditionally been regarded as not correctly performed; if, in the opinion of the referee such a throw-in was incorrectly performed, the restart should be awarded to the opposing team.'