Question Number: 25424

Law 15 - Throw In 9/13/2011

RE: Competitive Adult

Eric Stockwell of Eureka, CA USA asks...

I heard some years back that the rule for throw-ins was changed in that what had previously been considered a 'bad' throw due to twisting arm motion is now a legal throw. Can you clarify please?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Eric
In 2008 there was a subtle change in Law 15 where the wording was changed from 'uses both hands' to 'holds the ball with both hands'.
While it was never part of the Laws many referees interpreted that spin or twist of the ball meant that both hands were not used and therefore it was an incorrectly taken throw in.
The current wording takes out that possible incorrect interpretation and as long as the ball is in both hands any twisting or spining cannot now be interpreted as illegal.
Personally I think too much has been made of the throw in procedure. It is a simple way of restarting the game and players should simply get on with play unless it is a blatant breach such as standing on the field of play or not thrown from over the head or not held in both hands.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A spin on the ball has never in itself resulted in a foul throw.