Question Number: 15549

Law 15 - Throw In 5/21/2007

RE: Adult

John Thomas of Torrance, CA USA asks...

Please confirm that a player taking a throw in must have part of both feet EITHER on or behind the touch line. For example a player can make a fair throw with both heels on the touchline and the rest of both feet inside the field of play (assuming all the other criteria are met for a fair throw)

Also can you confirm whether this law as always been in place or whether it has changed in the last 15-20 years?

Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

It hasn't changed since 1997 and your understanding is correct. The touchline is part of the field so one would THINK they had to have both feet behind the line but in FIFA's infinite wisdom they have basically made the touchline NOT part of the field at a throw-in.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The lines belong to the area they mark, in this case they mark touch! On the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line is what Law 15 says. Heels on the line counts as part of a foot and each heel counts as part of each foot, just don't stand on tip-toes before you let go of the ball, part of each foot is no longer on the touchline is it? Has been that way just about forever, at least as long as the throw-in has been a restart of play.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

This has always been an enigma to me - but thats just how it is. You have your confirmation.