Question Number: 30265

Law 15 - Throw In 4/7/2016

RE: Intermediate Under 13

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 30241

I have 2 follow-up questions, please.

Referee Richard Dawson posted a video link (I think it's been posted before). The referee obviously thought it was accidental, although he might have been influenced by the fact that the 'victim' was about 1 meter from the touchline & there was absolutely no reason for him to be there, other than to interfere with the throw-in. However, would you agree that the referee could have decided that it was either deliberate (red card) or reckless (yellow) because he was obviously their designated thrower & this was a high level match.

Secondly, Referee Joe McHugh said that a player 3 meters away could be carded for impeding if he jumped. Since the laws only say the opposing team need only be 2 meters away, why wouldn't jumping at a distance >2 meters be perfectly legal?

Thanks again for all the advice.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
Even outside the exclusion zone of 2 metres there is still an onus on the opponent not to unfairly distract or impede the thrower. The reason that I mentioned 3 metres is that while the opponent may stand there is a question mark over the players actions. How far back to make it an attempt to intercept plus the timing of the jump is debateable. Further back it is not an issue and therein is the judgement call.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Phil,
your match, your decision, your reputation!
It is difficult to say what someone else will choose to do or why.
The flip throw is a difficult one to master. I have seen many fail at the long lob, the ball going erratic or haywire as the release is too soon or too late . There maybe talk, 'You stand there and you will eat this ball !' sounds rather threatening if as CR or AR I heard such a comment the alert radar for misconduct is on scan. Still those who have seen a flip throw know whats coming and standing in direct line is simply a lousy idea without thinking you could be pounded in the lower or upper extremities, just as a guy kicking a ball a few feet away, you might occur a similar outcome. I see no reason to show a card for the video but my respect for the recovery of the player and his instance on remaining close is debatable as brave or foolhardy.
The LOTG ask you not try to prevent the throw by distraction or impeding so jumping about before might be viewed as such even if 2 plus meters. Wait util the throw in occurs THEN jump, acting like a jack in the box rarely does any good!
Cheers

lol