Question Number: 28962

Law 15 - Throw In 11/10/2014

RE: rec Under 11

pete of floral park, new york usa asks...

Hi Guys,
I always enjoy reading your answers to difficult questions, my question is if a player fails to get the ball into play from a throw in it is retaken why does the same rule not apply to corner kicks i see kids kicking the ball on a corner kick never coming into play and the ref calls a goal kick, thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Pete
The simple answer is that the ball at a corner kick is placed and begins on the field of play and then leaves over the goal line after it is kicked which is a goal kick.
The kicks puts it in play and while the ball might only travels inches it is nonetheless in play and kicked out of play directly by a player from the attacking side so the restart is a goal kick.
On the TI that does not touch or cross the touchline the ball is never on the field of play which makes it an unique resart. If it does and leaves again it is a TI from where it left the field of play to the opponents.
I hope that clears it up for you.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Pete,

The reason for this is that it's impossible for a Corner Kick to not enter play. The ball actually starts on the field of play, and is in play as soon as it 'is kicked and moves'. Therefore, even if the player turned and kicked it directly over the goal line, there's still a moment between the ball being kicked and the ball wholly crossing the line - at this point, the ball is in play.

So, given that a corner kick starts on the field, the ball will always enter play once it's kicked and moves.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The throw in is unique in that it is the only restart that begins off the field of play. The ball is in play when any part of the ball crosses into the field of play while the ball is in the air.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Pete,
A corner kick must start on the FOP within the corner arc even if the ball partially rests on the boundary lines of the arc itself, the touchline or the goal line. If the ball is kicked forward towards the goal it will cross the goal line for a goal kick if it goes out of play immediately . Or it might curve over and come back in or go straight across to the far touchline.
If the ball was kicked up the field the ball crosses the touchline for a throw in, if it goes out of play immediately!
Another unusual fact about a throw in, if taken correctly can actually bring the ball from outside the FOP to inside the FOP even before it is released. Cheers