Question Number: 24964

Law 15 - Throw In 5/17/2011

RE: All Under 9

Phil of Dawsonville, Ga US asks...

On working a U-8 game, the kids on one team were spiking(throwing the ball directly into the ground in front of them) on the throw ins
This is U-8 Rec, so the first and second time it happened I let them play on. The third time, I whistled, as apparently they were coached on this, said 'no spiking'. Of course their coach got upset.
I asked several ref friends of mine and got a yes, no, and an it depends(Advantage, no, No Advantage, it is ok).
Thank you for your time. Please advise about spiking the ball into the ground on the throw in.
Phil

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The USSF publication Advice to Referees has this sentence in section 5.13: 'A throw-in directed straight downward (often referred to as a 'spike') has traditionally been regarded as not correctly performed; if, in the opinion of the referee such a throw-in was incorrectly performed, the restart should be awarded to the opposing team.'

Some recreational leagues at U8 allow a 'do-over' for bad throw-ins. This is the perfect time to explain to the child what was done wrong and give him another chance to do it correctly.

Advantage does not apply to throw-ins; it applies only to Law 12 violations per USSF policy.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
The game has always seen spiking at a throw in as illegal. Advantage cannot be played at a throw in but the referee can view it as trifling.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Phil, no advantage ever on a throw-in. USSF is firm on that. Advantage only for violations of Law 12.

Georgia Soccer Youth Rules And Regulations 650.1 requires you at U6 and U8 to instruct the player how to perform a proper throw-in after the first one is not performed properly. You, the referee NOT the coach. A spiked throw is NOT allowed. I know Georgia Soccer has stopped handing out copies of Advice To Referees at our recertifications, but you can download a copy for free at ussoccer.com. Spiking should have been covered at your initial certification.

I assume you are working USSF sanctioned games and they are only through Georgia Soccer. You can get a copy of the Rules And Regs at
Georgia Soccer.

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

See Question: 25001