Question Number: 27907

Law 15 - Throw In 10/18/2013

RE: Rec Under 14

Me of Everywhere, WA USA asks...

Greetings:

On a throw-in, if the ball comes in, in the air but then when it bounces touches the ground off the field, it that a do-over or does the oponent have a throw-in?

This happened during a scrimmage game, I thought it never entered the field (I was not reffing just watching) and so did the players but the coaches (who were both on the field) said it entered then left and had the oponent take a throw-in from pretty far away.

Anyway even if that happened (I guess there would have to be curve on the ball huh) what is correct?

Your attention is appreciated.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Once the ball touches the plane of the touchline the ball is in play. If the ball immediately leaves the field of play a throw in is awarded from where the ball left the field of play.
The key to this decision is determining whether the ball entered the field of play or not. I need to be sure that it did not enter before going with a retake.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

When the ball enters the field and then curves out of play, the restart is a throw-in for the opponents where the ball left the field of play.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The ball may come into play on a throw-in either in the air or on the ground if it touches the actual touchline or the imaginary plane we draw straight up from the line. if it curves back out of play while in the air it has come into and gone out of play.
restart is a throw-in to the opponents where the ball crossed back over the touchline in the air, not where it hits the ground.