Question Number: 30850

High School 10/3/2016

RE: High School Vs Club Match

Paul Hofmann of Atlanta, GA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 30842

The questioner noticed that in Club games/Fifa rules throw-ins that do NOT come in to play are retaken,(because the ball never came into play) For High School games, when attempted throw-ins fail to come in to play the throw-in is then awarded to the opposing team.
I believe the difference is due to the way the clock is managed in the two different formats. In club play the ref can simply add time if he ever believes necessary. In HS games, the clock is counting down towards an eventual buzzer that the ref has little control of. Regarding throw-ins, a clever coach with a small lead COULD instruct his players to take any throw-ins and fail to throw them into play, thereby unfairly wasting time. Certainly, if a ref thought this was the case he could then stop the clock, but the coaches little trick already worked as time was wasted. By awarding the throw to the other team, the possibility of this ploy is taken away, and the integrity of the game remains.

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

HI Paul,
your argument is as good as any for a solution. Once FIFA changed their approach that a match COULD NOT be restarted UNLESS the restart was performed properly they could have gone in the same direction. In my opinion it would be wise to adopt this policy. Unfortunately FIFA does not care about my opinion . LOL
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Paul, You are correct. The intentional running of time off the clock by throwing the ball so that it did not come in bounds was the major consideration when this rule was passed by the NFHS Rules Committee. In my opinion, this rules change has been very successful. I hope that your having a great fall season.