Question Number: 23988

Mechanics 9/22/2010

RE: High School

Scott of Mooreland, Indiana USA asks...

I have not seen this spelled out in any of the rule books I have looked through nor any of the online info I have read. Which direction does the A/R flag point for a throw in? Does it point in the direction of attack for the throwing team, or the direction of the goal that the throwing team is defending? For example, the red team is awarded a throw in; they are defending the goal at the north end of the field and attacking the south goal. Should the flag point north or south?

Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
The flag is pointed in the direction of the throw in. So if the Red team is awarded a throw in and it is attacking the south end of the field of play the flag points south.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

USSF's Guide to Procedures says the assistant referee, 'Signals with flag 45 degrees upward in the direction of the throw-in'.

This would apply to a high school (NFHS) game as well.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

South. The mechanics are the same for high school and under the laws of the game.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

south.