Question Number: 27105

Law 15 - Throw In 1/12/2013

RE: competitive Under 14

Will Kidder of Madison Hts., MI United States asks...

When throwing the ball in, can it bounce on the ground out of bounds before going into play? If this is not allowed, would the ruling be to re-throw, or would it be a bad throw and the other teams ball?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Will
At a throw in the ball must not touch the ground before entering the field of play. If that happens the throw in is retaken provided the throw in was taken properly.
Another point to be made is that if the ball crosses the plane of the touchline at a throw in the ball has entered the field of play. If it subsequently leaves the field of play again a TI is awarded from where it left the FOP in the air.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The ball cannot touch the ground on a throw-in until the ball is in play - - meaning that any part of the ball has crossed above or on any part of the touch line. Assuming that the form/mechanics of the throw (feet, facing field, release over head, etc.) otherwise are proper, the throw-in should be retaken. When the form/mechanics of the throw are improper, a throw-in to the opposing team is awarded.

Note: high school (NFHS) and college (NCAA) rules are different. A throw-in is awarded to the opposing team when the ball touches the ground outside the touchline before entering the field of play regardless of the form/mechanics of the throw.