Question Number: 29424

Law 15 - Throw In 5/19/2015

RE: Amateur Adult

Patrick of Detroit, United States asks...

Law 15 specifies that the throw in be taken within one yard of where the ball leaves the field of play. Does this solely refer to vertical distance along the field of play? In other words, can a player perform a legal thrown in indefinitely far 'width-wise' from the touchline?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Patrick
No, the understanding is that the one yard also applies to depth as well as length. As you know there is a great deal of latitude given to players on the point of the throw in. A similar latitude should be given in depth back from the touchline although for instance a player should not be allowed to take a throw in from behind a barrier or back so far that the TI is unseen. .

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Patrick,
short answer is NO! The throw in is designed as a simple method of restarting play. The 1 meter guideline is to remind us that the throw in is supposed to occur where the ball left the field. The 2 meter space surrounding it allows for a player to actually be standing on the touchline when performing the throw in and not have the arms smack the opponent in the face upon release of the ball. Once an opponent is properly respecting the 2 meter distance from the correct restart location the thrower tries to move around, past or escape by relocating, this should not be permitted. While we allow some latitude throwing from an incorrect restart location may result in a loss of possession.
Cheers