Question Number: 26314

Law 15 - Throw In 5/9/2012

RE: Semi Pro Adult

Ron Moss of Bunbury, WA Australia asks...

Can a player on a throwin do it from a squatting position, he is facing the field of play part of both feet are on the ground on or behind the line and the ball is delivered from behind and over his head.
But he is in a squat position almost sat on his heels.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

This is an interesting question, and the laws of the game don't specifically prevent this - but referees also need to consider the 'spirit of the game', and take the intent of the laws into consideration.

The throw in is intended to be a standing restart. Squatting can make a significant difference to the trajectory of the throw, and by taking it so close to the ground would permit the player to do things that wouldn't normally be possible as part of a throw in.

So I would say that this is an incorrectly taken throw in, and would award the throw to the other team.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ron
The application of Laws of the Game in addition to what is written in the Laws requires an element of tacit knowledge. While Law 15 makes no mention of a standing position it is expected that the player will be standing. If the player squats down to take the throw there will be howls of 'foul throw' and the referee will probably oblige with the award of the throw in to the opponents.
Ultimately it is the referee's call that counts and the advantage, if there is one here, does not outweigh the risk of giving away of cheap possession perhaps in a critical position or time in the game.
If the thinking behind doing it is to get the ball to feet quicker then the accepted way is the timing and positioning of the run of the team mate towards the thrower so that the ball is thrown to feet and thrown in a legal manner. Getting too close or delaying the throw will invariable run the risk of an incorrectly taken throw in

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I know kneeling is forbidden so one would assume squatting would be too

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See Question: 26330