Question Number: 23373

Law 15 - Throw In 5/25/2010

RE: National Rec Under 19

Ramon Reyes of Oak Park, Ca USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16478

What if the player uses to spinning throw in to get advantage in attaining distance to score a goal? Isn't uneven use of the hands illegal or throwing it from the side of the head? There seems to be a disconnect with the rules and the way coaches teach their players to throw the ball in.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

There is no prohibition in the Laws of the Game against spin on a throw-in. That is a complete and total myth.

Law 15 has only a few requirements - that the thrower use all her hands to throw the ball, that it come from behind and over the head, that both of her feet be on or behind the touchline, that she throw the ball in where it left the field (or within a yard of that spot) and that she face the field when throwing. Simple, uncomplicated and easy to administer.

If any of those five requirements are violated, the throw may be awarded to the other team, however, if the other team already has the ball from the throw, we can deem the violation trifling and get on with the game.

Don't make trouble where there isn't any - a good motto for referees.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Spin is legal. It indicates that the thrower HAS used two hands.