Question Number: 24708

Law 15 - Throw In 3/19/2011

RE: Competitive Under 17

John of Yonkers, NY USA asks...

On a throw-in can the thrower intentionally throw the ball onto the back of his teammate who is intentionally standing with his back to the thrower and the thrower then playing the ball upon entering the field of play? Or is this not allowed due to unsporting behavior?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

This is generally allowed. In fact, the thrower may throw it at an opponent as long as as it's not at the head or with undue force.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
Nothing wrong here. Indeed since 2007 the Laws of the Game allow for the ball to be thrown against an opponent in a similar manner. Quote LotG 2010 P126 ''If a player, while correctly taking a throw-in, intentionally throws the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball a second time but neither in a careless nor a reckless manner nor using excessive force, the referee shall allow play to continue.''
Prior to 2007 referees could and did interpret it as unsporting behaviour which was a caution and an IDFK restart. That is no longer the case due to the change in the Law. It was never considered USB when thrown against a team mate