Question Number: 27152

Law 15 - Throw In 2/4/2013

RE: Competive Under 15

Kris of Beloit, Ohio USA asks...

At one of my daughters games, there was a throw in. The girl that did the throw in had the ball behind her head as required, and as she executed the throw, she turned at her waist to throw across the field instead of down the line. The ref called her for a foul.? What did she do wrong?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Two common things:

1 As she twisted at the waist, the ball was released over the shoulder rather over the top of the head.

2. The referee erred in believing the myth that a player cannot turn at the waist. The requirement is that the player must face the field; turning at the waist is legal.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Kris
As long a as the ball was thrown from behind the head and released over the head there is no infraction. Turning at the waist during a throw in while it looks different is not illegal and I believe the referee erred in his judgement call here.
As a coaching point quick feet by the thrower would sort out that and then there can be no debate about the method.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

There is no requirement that the ball be thrown down the line. A common Myth Of The Game. If the ball is thrown in correct form, the player may legally throw it anywhere on the field except directly into a goal