Question Number: 24791

Law 15 - Throw In 4/9/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Ian of Auckland, New Zealand asks...

This question is a follow up to question 24683

When is a throw in a throw in and not a basketball shot? In the old days a throw had to be delivered with 'equal pressure' on both hands and as far as I can see this has been changed recently to 'hold the ball with both hands'.
What does this mean? Can a player effectively push the ball forward like a basketball shot? I've seen several players throw the ball in by having two hands on the ball to start with but push through the ball with their dominant hand. This allows them to give more impulse to the ball as it is released. To me this is a foul throw but it seems to be legal within the new law. Can anyone clarify this? Thanks, Ian

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The mechanics for the hands on a a throw-in require the ball to be thrown with two hands, from behind and over the head. This has been the requirement for some time.
Since a throw-in is just a way to get the ball back into play quickly, most infringements in mechanics are doubtful and trifling in an adult match.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ian
In Law 15 there is an element of implicit knowledge required. The Law states
At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:
# faces the field of play
# has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line
# holds the ball with both hands
# delivers the ball from behind and over his head
# delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play.
Some throws might look ugly but if they meet all of the above play should continue.
As regards the basketball type throw IMO the throw would fail on the requirement to deliver the ball from behind the head. The delivery in basketball style is in front of the head so it runs the risk of being called illegal and it will look so to the opponents.
There is nothing wrong with the use of a dominant hand in the throw in as long as it is over the delivery is from behind and over the head and not in front or to the side.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 24817