Question Number: 23799

Law 15 - Throw In 8/20/2010

RE: Select P2 U18 Under 19

Eric Gunstone of Seattle, WA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 23598

In reference to your question of the girl with one arm, my son was just in a U18 tourny with a boy with one arm taking the majority of the throw in's. He obviously had a clear advantage over the other boys taking throw in's and the team was using him whenever possible. He threw similar to a baseball pitcher keeping in mind that that he had to look like both hands were over his head. His throws were close to 50 yards, and about twice what a normal throw in would be.

The parents got into a argument over his clear advantage and the refs refused to address it. The Mother came to his defense and said it was a FIFA rule. I wonder if this was in college or the MLS if these same rules would apply?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Eric
As long as the ball is delivered over the head with one hand/arm then there is no issue about the use of one arm/hand. However throwing the ball baseball style below the shoulder would not be acceptable and is a contravention of FIFA and other Laws. When you say that 'he had to look like both hands were over his head' if his hand delivery was over his head then that is legal. I might add that one finds that where a person has to use one limb constantly that it becomes stronger as a result.
One of the challenges facing referees is dealing with sensitive areas such as special needs, disability etc and to ensure that they don't unfairly penalise a player.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

NFHS (high school) also permits a throw in by impaired player who only has the use of one hand/arm. NCAA (college) rules do not state an exception for impaired players. But, it would seem to be a reasonable accommodation.

If this were in MLS, the referees would follow USSF Advice to Referees 15.3 which also permits the use of one hand when a player doesn't have two (same as high school).

Nevertheless, the throw in, under all rules, must be over the head and not over the shoulder (like a baseball or cricket pitch). It is how the one hand is used, not the fact that one hand is used, that makes the throw fair or foul.