Question Number: 26277

Law 15 - Throw In 5/2/2012

RE: Adult

Steven Baskett of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 26248

When i said back i mean behind the line not to the side still from where it went out but just further behind the line .
Where in the laws does it say this it not allowed ? It just says both feet have to be either on the line or behind . It does not say how far behind etc ?

But i can understand that maybe the referee should try be proactive and tell them to come closer . Sometimes the players do not realise where they are there may be another line 2 metres behind the other and they throw it from there ?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

'Where does it say this is not allowed. It just says'

Law 15 says more than that. It says that the player throws the ball 'from the point where it left the field of play.'

The laws says the exact point, but the correct interpretation of 'the point where the ball left the field' allows the player one meter left, right, and behind the touchline.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Steven
The accepted norm is that the throw in is taken from where the ball left play. The referee has discretion of allowing one yard in any direction including back from the field of play.
If a thrower takes the throw in 5 yards back from the line and the game continues without dispute then the referee can view that as trifling and allow play to continue.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I know you meant behind the line. Law 15 requires the throw be from where it left the field of play. It didn't leave 2,3,or 10 yards behind the touch line. It left AT the touch line so that is where the throw must be taken