Question Number: 15155

Law 15 - Throw In 4/10/2007

RE: Recreation Adult

Thomas Coughlin of Clayton, NC US asks...

I teach an eight year old who does not have a left hand. He is very talented and adament about playing soccer. I am curious to the rules (if any) that are in place to allow this athlete to be involved in a throw in. Rather than dicourage him and let others do the regulation throw-in,is there any documented rule allowing him to throw in? Obviously the spirit of the game would keep opposing coaches from not allowing his participation, but what about when he advances to the elite levels of the game? Thankyou for your time.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Thomas,
in my opinion if the player has one hand, he throws it in with one hand. The laws were not meant to exclude only provide a simple restart. What he will not be able to do is side throw it as in a keeper release where extra distance is gained. IF he performs close to what the law requires behind and over head we make room to accomadate.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

He absolutely MAY take a throw-in with one hand if he only has one hand and all the requirements of Law 15 are met

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

As referee this has been an issue on rare occasions. I ask the player to demonstrate how he or she will throw the ball if awarded a throw-in. Once I see how they do it I say that will be fine or offer suggestion on how they can make it within the Law. I have never failed to get a huge thanks from the player!

That is respect given and returned, something the referee can't get enough of during a match.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

All the above is very good! However, you might like to ask the referee on the field what he will do before the game starts, so you aren't given any unhappy surprises at the field.