Question Number: 23318

Law 15 - Throw In 5/16/2010

RE: Under 13

Michael of scv, ca usa asks...

on a throw in when is the the ball in play? on the line or over the 4' line?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Michael
On a throw in the ball is in play when any part of the ball touches the plane of the line. If the ball touches the ground before entering the field of play the throw in is retaken by the same team.
By the way the lines on the field of play can be up to 5 inches in width although 4 is the more normal width.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The lines on the field are part of the areas which they bound. So the ball is in play once any portion of it crosses the outside edge of the line. Provided of course that the ball has left the thrower's hands - because the player is allowed to stand on the line, it is quite possible that the ball is over the edge of the field before it is released; that is not an offense.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Think of an imaginary force field on the outside edge of the touchline extending to the sky. The ball is in play once any part of the ball touches it.

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

See Question: 23414