Question Number: 28210

Law 15 - Throw In 2/23/2014

RE: Select Under 13

Jeff Waite of Troy, Ohio USA asks...

Does the ball have to leave the thrower's hands on a throw-in before an opponent can play the ball? FIFA Law 15 only specifies that 'the ball is in play when it enters the field of play.' Law 15 does not state that the ball must leave the thrower's hands to be in play.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Jeff,

The laws also require opponents to be 2 yards away from the thrower. While the referee may let that slide if the player is not interfering with the thrower, that law would clearly prevent a player from interfering with the thrower.

That aside, the intent of the Throw-in law would be to presume that a throw has not been completed while it is still in the player's hands.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jeff
The ball is in play when it leaves the thrower's hands and crosses the plane of the touchline. Having said that opponents may not interfere with that release of the ball and the law specifically mentions a 2 yard 'exclusion zone' around the thrower. In this regard most players now understand that it is futile to do anything within two yards of the thrower so they focus their attention elsewhere.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The Laws do not specify that the ball must have left the thrower's hand to be in play, but that is a long-held standard. Else it could lead to a number of interesting, but incorrect, consequences.