Question Number: 28950

Law 15 - Throw In 11/6/2014

RE: Travel (Grade 8), NFHS Under 15

Alan Himmelstein of New York, NY USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 27930

I understand that, in a NFHS competition, if the ball fails to enter the field of play before it touches the ground, the ball is awarded to the opponent at the spot of infraction. However, what is actually the infraction and where did it occur? Is the infraction the failure of the team taking the throw-in to get the ball to enter the field of play before the ball touches the ground? Doesn't the ball fail to enter the field everywhere? I am guessing the answer is supposed to be where the first team took the throw-in - or more correctly, where they were supposed to take the throw-in - but am I missing something that would make this clear?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Alan,
A referee should indicate direction and location of the throw-in with perhaps a yard or so leeway and ensure the 2 meter free zone is respected..
USA high school position on the throw-in is the throw in occurs from the point it left the field, same as FIFA. Mechanics are identical with FIFA but if the throw in is performed incorrectly it is awarded to the opposing team from EXACTLY the same spot where the original throw was to take place.

Think of the touch lines as a five inch wall of water extending straight up in the air, if ANY part of the ball can get wet, that ball is in play! However, the LOTG require the ball enter in the air not rolling along the ground!

The divergence from FIFA is if the mechanics are correct but the ball FAILS to enter the FOP it can be retaken by the same team. IN USA high school a bad throw is awarded to the other team no matter if the ball entered the FOP or not! Not sure of their exact reasoning other than a throw in is a simple restart and this folly is a waste of time.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Alan
Rule 15 Art 5 states that if, on a throw-in, the ball fails to enter the field of play before it touches the ground, the ball is awarded to the opponent at the spot of the infraction.
Rule 15.1.4 goes on to states that a throw-in by a player from Team A lands outside the touchline and bounces into the field of play; or does not hit or break the plane of the touchline but remains outside the ruling both are illegal and the referee award the throw-in to Team B. The throw in is taken from where the original throw was made.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The infringement is the failure to properly put the ball into play on a throw-in because the ball has touched the ground before breaking the plane of the touchline. The infringement is BY the thrower. Thus, the throw in is awarded to the opponents where the original throw was taken.

The reason for the rule difference was to address teams that were using the tactic (when the rule provided for a retake) to waste time. NCAA (college) rules follow the NFHS approach.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Alan,
You are correct on the Rule, 15-1-5 and your assumption that the opponents would get the ball from the previous throw. This is because the ball hitting the ground outside the touch line is not in play so that the spot of the infraction is the throw-in spot.

I hope your season is going well.