Question Number: 30070

Law 15 - Throw In 2/2/2016

RE: All youth competitive age groups Under 15

Keith of Lake Worth, Florida United States asks...

If a player attempts a throw-in using bad mechanics (such as lifting a foot) but the ball never enters the field of play, is the player allowed to re-take the throw-in, or does the ball go to the opposing team? My thought is the player is allowed a re-take since the ball was never put back in play.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Keith
The Laws says otherwise. It is only a retake if the throw in is taken correctly in line with the procedure. If it is not taken correctly such as a raised foot it is a turnover of the throw in even if it does not enter the field of play.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This was changed several years ago. It didn't appear in the Laws of the Game proper, but either in the Interpretation and Guidelines section or one of the last editions of the old Q&A document. Since USSF doesn't publish those for referees, you many have missed it.

It can be found on page 136 of the 2015-16 version of the Laws, I&G Section:
If the ball touches the ground before entering the field of play, the throw-in is retaken by the same team from the same position provided that it was taken in line with the correct procedure. If the throw-in is not taken in line with the correct procedure, it is retaken by the opposing team.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Keith,
if the throw in is performed incorrectly it is turned over to the opposing team.
FIFA LOTG has this additional trailer attached that states if it WAS done correctly but never entered then they can retake.
USA high school rules makes no such exception. You mess up the other guys get it!
Cheers