Question Number: 24893

Law 15 - Throw In 5/8/2011

RE: select Adult

fifa of salem, or usa asks...

I was called on my throw-in yesterday and it was awarded to the opposing team, the ref said it was a perfect throw except that my body was to stiff...I have never heard such a thing,,,your comments much appreciated.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
I don't undertstand this comment nor have I heard it before??
For a throw in to be legal 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.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Sigh. The Laws are few and relatively simple. Why referees always feel the need to make up new interpretations instead of simply reading the material prepared by USSF and FIFA boggles the mind.

In your case, the sad referee is dreadfully mistaken. A throw-in doesn't have to be beautiful to be legal - ugly, or even stiff, works fine as long as the 5 criteria of Law 15 are met (see Ref McHugh's answer).

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

I have never heard such a thing, either.

A throw in, particularly in adult matches, is just a way to get the match restarted quickly. Few infringements on the form of the throw disadvantage the opponents or give any advantage to the throwing team. Most 'ugly' throw ins are legal (see Ref McHugh's answer). Perceived errors in form usually should be ignored as doubtful or trifling.

Too often, however, the referee should not be ignoring WHERE the throw is made. Letting a thrower run 10 to 15 yards further up the line can disadvantage the opponent and will give an unfair benefit to the throwing team. Alas, players know that referees rarely call that.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Wow! Just when you've thought you heard it all.
Unless you are making this up, it's something none of us have ever heard and I hope never will.
If you see this referee again, please ask him where in Law 15 it prohibits whatever it is he thought you did.