Question Number: 17359

Law 15 - Throw In 10/17/2007

RE: Rec Adult

Miles Hoover of Altus, OK U.S.A. asks...

A ball rolling down the touchline went out and rolled 30 yards where it was put in play again. I whistled the play stopped and had the team retake the throw in at the spot it had crossed the touchline. A fellow referee who was playing on the team taking the throw in argued that since it was 30 yards closer to his goal he was gaining no advantage from taking it there and I should have allowed it.

The Laws as I read it says it should be thrown in at the spot it crossed the touchline. How should I have ruled?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

You were correct, the other referee was wrong.

Perhaps all of the defenders began to position themselves near the place where the ball went out. Then if you allow the other team an easy toss where there are no opponents then they get away with the ball too easily (and unfairly).

Let the law be your guide, and remind the other referee that we can't simply disregard the laws because we think one side gets less of an advantage than the other.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Miles, 30 yards is way too far away! Three yards or maybe even five yards away could be considered trifling, depending on the game and the teams, etc. However, it is always the referee who makes the decision on trifling or not, based on your read of the teams, the game and the needs to be met. You were well within your authority to insist the Law be followed. They may grumble, but they can and do recognize you know what needs to be done under the Law, so when you do bend it for the good of the game, they trust you. Shame on the ref/player! Asking you after the game, away from the field - acceptable professional behavior - arguing with you at the field should not be tolerated.