Question Number: 23666

Law 15 - Throw In 7/13/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 23644

Hi,

My son (U18) was playing in a tournament this past weekend. In three different games (Different teams and refs) I saw someone take a throw-in and send it roughly parallel to the touch line without it entering the field. It every case the throw was retaken by the same team. Everyone seemed OK with this.

If the player 'faces the field of play' and 'delivers the ball from behind and over his head', should the ball not approach the touch line?

I realize that you did not see any of the actual throws, but as I think of it, I don't believe I've ever seen a TI given to the opposing team because the thrower did not face the FOP.

I look forward to your comments.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

'Facing the field' means not facing away from it. The player can be facing anywhere along the nearly 180 degree angle formed by the touchline and it is legal. Since the player could be a yard back from the line, it is quite possible for the ball not to enter the field of play, or to bounce on the ground before entering the field. If so, the throw is retaken by the same team, as long as the mechanics of the throw were legal (feet on ground, behind and over the head, etc.)

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It is relatively common that a correctly executed throw-in will not enter the field of play (resulting in a retake of the throw). There is nothing wrong with having both feet facing the field and then twisting at the waist such that the ball flies parallel to the touchline.

One might expect that 'facing' the field ought to refer to the thrower's head and face, but tradition does not require it.