Question Number: 24512

Law 15 - Throw In 1/23/2011

RE: Select Under 18

Michael Greenfield of Mansfield, Texas USA asks...

I was recently told by a parent/former ref that the 'flip-over throw in' has been made illegal by FIFA. Is this true?

Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Michael
That statement is untrue. If the player's action meets all the conditions of Law 15 then it is allowed.
However as more player try it and perhaps execute it incorrectly then the referee can deem the throw in as incorrectly taken.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Nope. Players are still allowed to do this as long as all the requirements of Law 15 are met. That said, go to you tube and see the perils of this technique

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Former refs are not great about keeping up with the Laws - heck we have trouble keeping current refs up with Law changes sometimes! And, as is often the case, your 'former' ref''s information is bogus.

There has been no change in the Law regarding the requirements for a legal throw. If the flip throw meets the requirements, it is a legal throw. Those are: Both feet on the ground & on or behind the line at the moment the ball is released; facing the field; both hands come from behind and over the head with the ball and from within a yard of where the ball exited the field. Most flip throws meet all of these requirements.