Question Number: 15644

Law 15 - Throw In 5/29/2007

RE: Varsity High School

Ron Goff of New Milford , PA USA asks...

I have a young man coming out for the team this year that lost an arm a couple of years ago in an ATV accident. Will he be able take throw ins and are there any special rules on how he is supposed to take the throw? I have not seen the addressed in any of the rule books, can you shed so light on this for me? Thanks Ron Goff

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This can be found in the USSF publication, "Advice to Referees", section 15.3. ( http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/AdvicetoRef06.pdf )


"A player who lacks the normal use of one or both arms may nevertheless perform a legal throw-in provided the ball is delivered over the head and provided all other requirements of Law 15 are observed."

Of course Advice to Referees doesn't apply to HS, but the same principle should apply.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Ron,

This player SHOULD be allowed to take a throw-in so long as he fulfills all the other requirements of law 15... that said, I would think its prudent to ask each referee what they plan to do about it before the game. My guess is most, if not all, will allow the player to take throw-ins. I only suggest this, as not all referee's are so versed in the intricatcies of the rules of high school soccer and may choose not to allow it, even though it should be OK.

In either case, I would check with the ref so there won't be any unpleasant surprises during your match.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I have seen a player who lost an arm on occasion. I ask him to demonstrate how he throws the ball should he find himself in that situation. If he does it from over and behind the head, facing the field, with his feet on or behind the touchline there is no problem with his technique. If he does it any other way I might suggest he not take a throw-in; by the way I have never offered that suggestion...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ron,
as a matter of practical reality and normal compassion no referee I know would prevent the one arm player from participating.
My colleague suggests a demo to ensure he is not inadvertanly embarrassed could be a possible approach to see if the ball is tossed appropriately. Most of us would probably not allow a side arm toss as in a keeper throw out unless the remaing arm was non functional in someway. In disabled matches the laws are bent in a practical way to allow a GAME to be played. Cheers