Question Number: 27430

Law 15 - Throw In 5/15/2013

RE: Competitive Adult

Chris of Sydney, New South Wales Australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 27391

Why would the throw in not be allowed, even if a 'spike' situation has occurred?

As long as the throw abides by all the prerequisites of Law 15.

At the moment of delivery, the thrower:
-Faces the FOP
-Has part of each foot either on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline
-Uses both hands
-Delivers the ball from behind and over his head.

I would allow it.

No where does it state the trajectory of the throw or the release point.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Chris
Have you tried a 'spike' throw? The ball IMO is not delivered from behind the head. Delivery is more than where the ball starts from but also includes release. In a spike the ball is released as part of the delivery in front of the head. The ball might be brought back behind the head but the only way that it can be delivered legally is by bowing and facing the ground.
I would also make the point that 'tacit knowledge' and tradition is part of the Laws including Law 15. The 'spike throw' is seen as illegal and it will attract howls of foul throw as it perceived as incorrectly taken. In a recent game that I did, a throw in while not a complete spike was nonetheless downwards and it did attracts huge calls of 'foul throw'. I deemed the TI to be incorrectly taken and turned the ball over. There was no complaint from the throwing side other than from the thrower, which one would expect. One team mate actually smiled to me about such a poor attempt by his team mate. Had I not made that call it would have been seen as a poor decision which if done enough times erodes confidence and credibility.
BTW when you see one you will not allow it.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Tradition. By tradition, a 'spike' is foul.