Question Number: 30208

Law 15 - Throw In 3/20/2016

RE: Competetive High School

John Dizonno of Buffalo Grove, IL usa asks...

On a throw in, the player facing the field deliberately twists their body to fake out the defending team on the throw in; is that legal?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
Yes that would be legal. As long as the player is facing the field of play then twisting the body to fake the direction of the throw is okay.
Also do not sweat too much on throw ins. It is a simple way of restarting play. Sometimes teams will look for a cheap turnover by complaining about an incorrectly taken throw in on anything that looks out of the ordinary.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

John,
Yes, this is legal as long as all other aspects of a legal throw-in are followed. The rule regarding a throw in is found in the NFHS rules book on page 65 and it is rule 15-1-2 that states: The ball shall be thrown in any direction from the point where it crossed the touchline by a player who is facing the field and has both feet on the ground on or behind the touchline. The thrower shall use both hands (unless a physical impairment limits the use of one hand) and shall deliver the ball from behind and over the head in one continuous motion. A fake on the throw-in is a normal legal maneuver often done to get a teammate in the clear to receive the throw-in. I am aware that Illinois plays girls soccer in the Spring. I hope your season is going well.