Question Number: 25681

Law 15 - Throw In 10/29/2011

RE: all Adult

mike of aliso viejo , ca usa asks...

throw in with 1 hand behind the ball other one on the side ball thrown from behind the head with the one hand. the head ref conciders this a fair throw and teaches as long as 2 hands are on the ball it meets the law.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The wording of Law 15 was changed a while ago. Now it only says, 'holds the ball with both hands.' It no longer says anything about using both hands equally.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
The Law was changed in the 2008/2009 season from ''uses both hands'' to ''holds the ball with both hands''
That subtle difference allow referees discretion on the use of the hands in the throwing action. However if the throwing actions looks like it is significantly away from what is the accepted norm some referees will call the incorrectly taken throw in usually in response to calls from the opponents.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

As long as the ball is held with both hands it's a legal throw