Question Number: 27076

Law 15 - Throw In 12/20/2012

RE: Rec Under 13

Mike of Boston, MA USA asks...

From USSF Advice To Referees
Section 15.3 Properly Taken Throw-In

'A natural throwing movement starting from behind and over the head will usually result in the ball leaving the hands when in front of the vertical plane of the body. The throwing movement must be continued to the point of release. A throw-in directed straight downward (often referred to as a 'spike') has traditionally been regarded as not correctly performed'

Can a spike be a 'continued throwing motion'? At what point does a continued throwing motion become a spike?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
In Law 15 there is an element of tacit knowledge. The 'spike' as referred to in 15.3 has always been regarded as illegal not only in the US but elsewhere. One can argue that if all the elements of the correct throw are present it could be allowed. However a player standing facing the field of play will find it impossible to spike the ball close to him with a throwing motion from behind the head. Anyway why would a referee allow something that 99.99% of his colleagues do not?
Personally I don't see any benefit to this TI and consequently in this part of the world I have never seen it used.
One has to look at the history of Law 15 the Throw In to understand or perhaps surmises the reasons behind it. It is a way of restarting the game, it brings order like all other restarts, the fact that the ball has to be thrown rather than dropped means that players do not crowd the area much like clearing the penalty area at a goal kick plus the two hands in the correct manner somewhat limits the distance of the throw (for most anyway).
My advice on TIs is to be relatively generous with the interpretation but once the fundamentals are breached the TI is turned over. That has a way of ensuring the TIs from there on are correctly taken or at least improved significantly.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Most throw in infringements are doubtful and trifling. Many throw-ins are ugly, but legal. In youth sports, however, the throw in is something that is easy for parents/spectators to see, and they tend to shout about . Yet, the most serious infringement often is uncalled - - the throw in is allowed to be taken 10 to 20 yards from where the ball left the field of play.

The spike is straight down, which means that the ball was not released over the head. My experience is that it is used to prevent a nearby opponent from being able to challenge for the ball.