Question Number: 26777

Law 15 - Throw In 9/17/2012

RE: 8 Under 10

Dan of Belford, Nj Usa asks...

What's the call if a throw in bounces outside before entering the field of play?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If the throw was taken correctly, it must be retaken by the same team.

If the mechanics of the throw were not legal, then the throw-in is awarded to the other team.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The restart is another throw-in. The question is for which team? At this age group, we would/should probably just allow a re-throw by the same team, unless the throw was done incorrectly, in which case we award the throw to the other team.

In order for the ball to be legally in play, it must leave the hands of the thrower in the air and enter the field before it hits the ground (and the touchline is part of the field).

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi dan
The question the referee has to ask himself is whether the ball crossed the plane of the touchline before touching the ground. If it did then the ball is in play and the restart is a throw in to the opponents from where the ball left the field of play in the air. If it did not enter the field of play the throw in is retaken from the point of the original throw in.
If I am on my own with club assistants and the ball bounces outside the field of play my decision is to award the throw in to the opponents particularly if the thrower is standing on the line. There is every chance that the ball did break the plane of the line at the point of the throw and the thrower did get an opportunity to put the ball into play. On the next one the thrower will ensure that he does not run the same risk again with the throw being more infield.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 26847

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