Question Number: 16926

Law 15 - Throw In 9/26/2007

RE: Select Under 15

JD of SF, CA USA asks...

Referee deemed a throw-in was more then 2 meters from his throw-in mark and immediately awarded the other team the throw-in. If the player is not intentionally surpassing the 2 meter mark, to gain an advantage, what is the right call from the referee?

When is the ref permitted to reverse the throw-in.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Yes as an opinion if he belived the throw in was INCORRECTLY done then the throw in reverts to the opposing team. I can agree that two meters from the point where it left the field of play could be deemed trivial say in the defending third but we are instructed a meter or so is the agreed distance where we will not quibble. I am willing to bet all throw ins were taken very close to where they exited the field after that call!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

How does the referee know the "intent" of the player?? That word - intent - was taken out of the LOTG specifically to prevent the referee from having to read players' minds. We go by what we know the LOTG are and in turn what we see and ultimately through experience, what our gut tells us. The right call from the referee is to dissallow an improper throw-in. We are fortunate that in the US we are given a 1- yard lee-way from the spot that the ball left the field of play crossing over the touchline in the air or on the ground. In the rest of the world, they must throw it in where that ball left the field of play. Law 15 fully supports his decision to award the throw in to the opposing team if, in his opinion, the ball was improperly thrown in by the original team.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

the 2 meter rule has nothing to do with where the throw takes place. the Law tells us the throw must come from the spot that the ball left the filed of play. It is customary to allow a yard or so. The 2 meter rule applies to where opponents have to be on the taking of a throw-in. That is to say; all opponents must be at least 2 meters from the thrower.