Question Number: 17313

Law 15 - Throw In 10/14/2007

RE: rec Under 16

Tom Weller of phoenix, az usa asks...

1. throw in: player attempts to throw in and ball never enters the field of play. Do over, or turn over to other team.

2. Indirect free kick: ball can be touched and roll backwards, or must roll forward 1 revolution.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

1. Depends. If you are playing under NFHS rules (High school soccer only) then if a throw-in doesn't enter the field of play the ball is given to the other team from the spot of the original throw-in.

If you're playing under the FIFA laws of the game (club/travel soccer, professional soccer, etc) or NCAA rules, then a ball that doesn't enter the field of play on a throw-in is retaken by the same team.

2. The indirect free kick is in play when it is kicked and moves in any direction. There is no requirement for 1 revolution.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Tom,
if this was NFHS it is justification for a loss of possession the opposition takes the throw in.

Under FIFA we have two possible options if the throw in was done correctly in manner and from the correct spot if it never entered the field it is a re-throw. If however the throw in was done incorrectly the throw in is turned over to the opposition as it is in high school!

This is new in procedure as it flies in the face of the restart never put the ball actually in play. We have a similar concept in the Pk where a ball that is played backwards is a loss of possession when it states the ball must go forward to be in play!

An Indfk can be kicked in any direction but it must be kicked and seen to move from here to there not wobble or tremble from being stepped on and not continuously dragged from one point to the other. A full revolution is not required, this was removed sometime ago! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

1. Rec FIFA rules retake the throw, 2. Kicked and moved. Doesn't matter what direction. Only 2 times must be kicked and moved forward are kick-off and penalty kick.