Question Number: 28132

Law 15 - Throw In 1/23/2014

roy of N.Y., USA asks...

When did throw-ins start? My older brother played in the early 60's out on L.I., and they used to kick the ball back into play until, he thinks 1962 or 3. My grandfather grew up in Plymouth, England around the turn of the 20th century and when seeing one of my brother's games, I do not remember if he said 'Why are they kicking it in? or 'Why are they throwing it in?' What is the history of the 'throw-in?'

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

He probably was shocked to see a kick-in.
Throw-ins have been part of the game since the 1850's.

Kick-ins are still used in indoor soccer, futsal, and beach soccer.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Roy
A throw in has been part of the game almost since its inception. A kick in was experimented with in the past. In 1993-94 the a lower League in the UK was authorised to use kick-ins but the trial was abandoned after one season when some teams simply used long-kick experts instead of long-throw specialists to bombard their opponents' goal. In November 1996, Task Force 2000, a panel of football experts featuring Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer, considered the question and agreed that kick-ins would bring no benefit to the game.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

A league in my area experimented with kick-ins for U10's as part of their 'small-sided' rules. They went back to throw-ins the next year.