Question Number: 26859

Law 15 - Throw In 9/29/2012

RE: High School

Jim of Brooklyn, NY United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 26663

The law defines a throw in to be when a player has parts of both feet on the ground, facing the field of play. Prior to the throw in, is there an limmit to the distance that a player may run(during which time only one foot may be touching)? The distances that the balls are being thrown after 10- 15 meter runs towards the touch line are certainly taking away from soccer, with teams purposley playing for throw ins which are launched at goal from almost anywhere in the touch area.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

There is no restriction on the run up to the throw, as long as the throw (i.e., the release of the ball) takes place within a yard of where the ball crossed the touchline.

The long throw-in is less of a weapon on wider fields. Unfortunately, many high school matches are played on fields that are barely 60 yards wide.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jim
There is no limit as to the length of run up as long as the ball is thrown from the correct location or at least within a yard of it. In addition the player has to have both feet on the ground at the moment of the throw in.
In the UK Stoke City as a Premier league team use the long throw as a tactic and opponents have to prepare for that. The team has also moved in the touchlines to the minimum required in the Laws to assist in that . Opponents have to counter that which includes trying not to concede throw ins in their own half.