Question Number: 29077

Law 15 - Throw In 12/30/2014

Glenn of Newbury Park, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29075

I see it now.
The first whistle and corresponding arm signal prior to the TI being taken was to instruct the player to back up.
Personally, I prefer to use a series of short blasts to get a players attention and point to the location where I want it taken from.
Thanks guys!

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Glenn,
I am quite vocal on the FOP, when there is a throw in. I indicate verbally and very loudly, i.e... 'Blue throw right there and point to the spot!' Players know EXACTLY what is going on ,who gets the throw and where it is to occur from. I rarely use a series of short whistle blasts unless it is to head off trouble.
The two meter distance and loss of possession for not paying attention to procedures are two changes to LAW 15 I think were long overdue. Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Glenn
The Pro game can provide poor learning examples for referees. Many Pro teams don't focus too much on TI restarts from the wrong place and as a results referees let that aspect of the TI slide. At lower levels it is a bigger deal and many teams complain about sneaking yards. Funnily enough there is little complaint about going backwards which many times is more advantageous due to more space being created.
I haven't seen the rest of the game and perhaps the referee had previous challenges in the game with stealing yards at TIs. We also don't see the reaction of the crowd who may have been screaming about constant sneaking forward and then the straw that breaks the camels back happens. You will note on the next TI Raphael even thought about doing it again yet chose otherwise when the referee signalled to go back.