Question Number: 27102

Law 15 - Throw In 1/9/2013

RE: High School

Theresa of San Tan Valley, Arizona USA asks...

Is it a violation to relinquish the ball to another player for a throw in from off or on the field?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

One way that a team with the lead can cheat is to take an excessively long time to put the ball back to play in a throw-in. It is common for referees to warn teams as soon as the tactic is recognized. But, yes, the referee may caution a player for delaying the restart of play at a throw-in. Unfortunately, the one who usually gets the cautioned is the teammate who takes the ball last, rather than the one who held the ball for a long time before leaving the ball for a teammate.

The referee must be able to discern the difference between a team that is trying to delay the restart and a team that is waiting for their long thrower to get to the ball. There is no requirement that the first to touch the ball must be the one who takes the throw in.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Theresa
Referees will evaluate a situation based on whether it is done deliebartely for unsporting reasons or just a genuine part of play.
For example a referee would caution a player who delays the restart of play by the tactic of appearing to take a throw-in but suddenly leaving it to one of his teammates to take. Other times the team may have just decided to change the thrower and if it is seen as genuine then no disciplinary action is required. Circumstance will play a part such as if it is done in the 1st few minutes of a game compared to doing it in added time with the 2nd thrower having to come a distance.