Question Number: 25286

Law 15 - Throw In 8/5/2011

RE: AYSO Under 9

Kate Purnell of Valencia, CA USA asks...

My son has a arm injury from birth which limits the movement of his left shoulder. His left arm is also weak. He cannot extend his left arm much over his head and he can't really get his left arm behind his head without assistance from his right (his passive range is pretty normal). He's figured out that he can do a decent throw-in if he swivels the ball so his right hand is on the front and pushes the ball (and his left hand/arm) behind his head. Then right before the throw, he swivels his hands and the ball so that his right hand is more behind the ball and throws. His left hand will stay on the ball if he does it all in one smooth motion. His left arm is pretty much along for the right, though, and it really ends up being a right-handed overhead throw with his left hand following along (but doesn't help much). Do you think he would get called foul for doing it this way? If so, is there any way to get an exception to the rule for a child with such a physical limitation? I'd rather not go that route, as his disability is not generally noticeable and he hates to draw attention to it.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Kate
It all depends on the referee and whether he/she sees the throw in as not conforming to Law 15. I suspect that the only way to deal with this without bringing attention is to test it during match conditions and for your son to take throw ins.
The alternative is for the coach to mention to the referee that your son has a challenge with throw ins due to an arm problem. Certainly if it was mentioned to me before a game I would happily allow the throw ins as described.
The game wants to be inclusive and players with physical limitations are encouraged to participate fully. Its fantastic to see him figuring out of what is acceptable.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Kate:

I think that you will find that your AYSO region will be very supportive.

The law requires only that the ball be thrown using both hands. There is no requirement of equal force or that the hands must be placed in a set location. But at U9, folks seem to be obsessive about foul throw-ins and referees tend to be very new. So, something that looks unusual might be called (wrongly) as a foul throw-in. Experienced referees know that most issues on a throw in are doubtful and trifling, and should be ignored.

My suggestion is that you speak with the coach and your local Regional Referee Administrator. They can let the referee know about your son's condition. The coach can also work on your son's throw.

PS: at U9, most foul throw-in issues involve the feet. If your son has mastered throwing the ball with both feet on the ground, he is doing very well for his age.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The USSF publication Advice to Referees, section 15.3 says, 'A player who lacks the normal use of one or both hands may nevertheless perform a legal throw-in provided the ball is delivered over the head and provided all other requirements of Law 15 are observed.'

I would have your coach inform the AYSO region for your area about your son's partial disability. They can then inform the referees to expect some less-than-perfect throw-in mechanics when your coach identifies the player. I too commend him that he has managed to overcome his difficulties. All too many players, even those with full abilities, simply decline to try learn how to improve their technique for throw-ins.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A player with only one arm may take a legal throw
and so can your son. I would approach your
coach and contact local AYSO authorities
to head off any potential problems