Question Number: 27568

Law 15 - Throw In 6/28/2013

RE: Law 15 Adult

Zluva of C.Budejovice, Czech Republic Czech Republic asks...

Hello,my next question is about Law 15-The Throw-in:'All opponents must stand no less than 2 m (2 yds) from the point at which the
throw-in is taken.The ball is in play when it enters the field of play.' Is correct,that the opponent can touch the ball less than 2 m (f.e. 1 m) from the point at which the throw-in is taken, if the ball leaves player´s hands? Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Zluva
This Law was introduced to prevent opponent from unfairly distracting or impeding the thrower. So the referee should not allow an opponent to stand or be within 2 metres of the throw.
As a result it is now a reasonably rare situation as players know that an interception is generally futile when attempted at 2/3 metres from the throw. So the Law change has had the desired effect by keeping opponents away from the thrower. The other situation that it has stopped is the tactic of placing an opponent right on the touchline in front of the thower on a long throw.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Once the ball is in play - it has left the thrower's hands and entered the field - the opponent is free to intercept it. The opponent must stay at least 2 m from the site of the throw until it has been taken.

It is similar to a free kick - the opponents must remain at least 10 yards from the ball until the kick is taken. After that, it's fair game.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

No. There are two limitations: first, the opponent must be two yards/meters from the thrower. Second, it is unsporting behavior to hinder the thrower on a throw-in (even if you jump from two meters away).

The first limit is objective. It is easy for all to tell if the opponent comes closer than two meters. The second is a judgment call for the referee about what constitutes hindering the release of the ball and what is simply playing the ball in play.