Question Number: 23598

Law 15 - Throw In 7/2/2010

RE: Competitive D3 Under 15

Joshua Klein of Canton, MA USA asks...

I was reffing a lower level U14 girls game, when one of the girls went to take a throw in. I noticed that she had only 1 arm with the other arm a stub. With the one arm she took the ball over her head, with her stub of an arm also over her head but unable to touch the ball. With the one handed throw (taken from over her head), she unleashed quite the throw in.

Given that this was a lower level game, and not wanting to be inappropriate, I let play continue, as she took a few more throw ins during the game.

My question is: At a higher level, perhaps High School level, what would the call have been? Would she be allowed to take a throw in?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Klein
The game encourages players with special needs to participate fully in the game. As long as the TI is made from above the head with one arm that is legal. I would not allow a side arm or GK throw.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes. At all levels. A throw in is just a way to restart play. As long as the ball is thrown over the head, the player with one hand may take the throw-in.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

USSF Advice to Referees has this paragraph in section 15.3: 'A player who lacks the normal use of one or both hands may nevertheless perform a legal throw-in provided the ball is delivered over the head and provided all other requirements of Law 15 are observed.'

As long as your player managed to deliver the ball from behind and over the head, you should allow it.

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

See Question: 23799