Question Number: 16869

Law 15 - Throw In 9/24/2007

RE: Grade 8 Under 19

Greg McGuire of Ft. Collins, Colorado USA asks...

On throw-ins, if the ball never enters the field of play, what is the correct call?

Also, the FIFA Official Rules and Regulations book does not mention anything about lifting the foot during a throw-in. Is it correct to award a throw-in to the opposing team if a player lifts his/her foot while throwing in the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

FIFA doesn't have Rules and Regulations (well they do, but in regards to membership and meetings and voting rights). FIFA games are governed by the Laws of the Game. And in Law 15 we find that the thrower "has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line." So if the thrower lifts his foot, it's not touching the ground.

We also find that "The ball is in play immediately after it enters the field of play." If it never entered the field, the restart was not taken, so it must be tried again.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Sure it does. It says both feet are either on the touch line or on the ground behind the touchline. This means the feet must NOT be in the air. That said, remember a throw-in is merely a methos to restart play. If a foot comes up an inch or so and there's no advantage gained, this is usually viewed as a trifling infraction and the referee allows play to continue. Also, if the ball never comes into play, the throw is retaken. Note that in the wacky world of US High School soccer, a throw would be awarded to the other team

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 16916