Question Number: 25031

Law 15 - Throw In 5/30/2011

RE: Rec Under 19

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi,

I thought I had seen the following covered here before, but I've had no luck searching.

This is my second year refereeing soccer. Being an adult with a fair bit of refereeing experience in other sports, I am now Head Ref (OK, and willing to volunteer) and have been doing all age groups (At last year's head ref's suggestion).

Last night in a U19 game, players grumbled a couple of times 'nice throw in' when a player turned during the throw. I.e. Facing in one direction, starts to throw and turns the body to throw in another direction while throwing. All 'other' TI laws OK to my thinking.

I don't see anything in the laws and I believe that what I read before is that this is not a violation. I have seen at least one senior official in our league (and his kids) call this.

So, how should this be called so that we're all consistent? Being in a position to address this with everyone, I'd like identify our inconsistencies and reduce the grumbling caused by different interpretations.

Thanks for your great work!

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

As long as the ball is thrown from behind and over the head, the player can twist about to change the trajectory of the ball. Nothing has been done incorrectly.

What you have to watch for is that the twisting has not been done after the ball is in motion, causing the throw to be taken around the side of the head instead of over.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Thanks for volunteering to be Head Ref for you association. Thankless job, I know.

When dealing with throw-ins, try to remember that this is just a way to get the ball back into play quickly. Many people treat throw-ins as life or death situations and the fact is, they are not. Almost all infractions of Law 15 are trifling and have no effect on play.

One of the requirements of procedure of Law 15 is that the player face the field. Unfortunately, far to many referees think this means the thrower's eyes must be perpendicular (i.e.90 degrees to ) to the field. This is not the case. The thrower may face any part of the field and as long as the ball is delivered from behind and over his head with both hands on the ball, it's a legal throw. Of course, both feet must be on or behind the touch line. It's not illegal to turn in another direction and throw the ball unless when the player turns, she delivers the ball from her side not from behind and over her head.

Thanks for the question. Hope this helps

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jamie
If I had a euro for every time I've heard 'Foul Throw Ref' I would have a nice sum of money available.
If the TI differs in any way from the norm players look for a turnover complaining that the ball was not throw in properly.
As described there is nothing inherently wrong with the TI. I would simply say ' Might look different but it's legal'