Question Number: 28757

Law 15 - Throw In 9/21/2014

RE: Adult

Tony of Lille, france asks...

This morning I was penalised for taking a throw about 9 yards back from where the ball had left the pitch.
I did not gain ground, but rather threw in behind where I should have.

Is it really a foul-throw??

Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes it is an illegal throw. Law 15 states that the throw-in should be taken from the spot where the ball went out. Interpretation is that about a meter leeway is OK.

That said, in most cases being more than a meter away from the spot is trifling and refs will let it go. The problem with taking the throw too far back from the line is that the opponents will not be expecting you to take the throw yet.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Tony,

The laws require the throw to be taken from where the ball left the field. I'm not sure if you mean you were literally still 9 yards away from the field, or (the more common scenario), 9 yards 'downfield' (ie closer to your own goal) from where the ball left the field.

Doing that means you're taking the throw in a position that's closer to your own players than is normally possible, thus you're ensuring control rather than risking a challenge by throwing it to marked player.

Some may think it's pedantic - but look at it this way; you wouldn't have done it if you weren't getting an advantage out of it, and it is against the text of the laws.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Tony
Yes this is an incorrectly taken throw in. Gaining a benefit is not just about distance towards the opponents goal line. For instance moving back from the goal line on a throw in can open up the amount of playing area available to the attacking team. In addition going back towards ones own goal can allow less time for the opponents to mark up. As the laws state the throw in is taken from where the ball left the field of play.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Tony, the throw in should be a simple restart of play! Now this 9 yards back could be deemed as way to get the ball to an unmarked team mate or catch the opposition by surprise. I tend too think you were simply expediting the restart and the referee decided to be LOTG sticky. The ball goes out, the referee signals the direction and should point to the spot where he thinks the thrower should be. If you disregard that he might think you are ignoring him so he lets you know better not do that by calling a foul throw a bit cheesy but legal..
Cheers