Question Number: 17907

Law 15 - Throw In 11/13/2007

Tim of Galway, NY US asks...

This past summer, I had a player whose right arm was amputated. Since he obviously couldn't use two hands to throw in the ball, I still allowed him to throw the ball in because he threw it in as properly as he could (straight over the head, both feet on the ground, etc). It was a youth game, so I didn't see any reason to penalize him.

I honestly don't see why anyone would have issues with that in youth games, but since I want to upgrade and work on higher level games, I want to know how I should properly handle a situation like that.

I guess my question comes down to: is there an exception to the "two hands on the ball" rule when someone has one of their arms amputated?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Yes, a player with only one arm may make a legal throw provided all the other elements of a fair throw are met. This question is specifically answered in Advice To Referees On The Laws Of The Game published by US Soccer

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Good. You should allow them to take the throw. Your common sense seems to be right where it should be.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Another thing you should do before the match is approach the player and ask if he's going to take a throw-in during the match. If he says yes ask him to show you how! He will follow the Law to the best of his ability and you will say "Thank You Sir, well done" and go do something else. That player will never forget you. He will support most things you do because he knows you are fair and one of the good guys. Points like that are hard to win at any level of play and doing things like this spills over into the good side of your reputation. Good thinking.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

When I teach the entry level clinics, I always tell them they must have all of their hands on the ball, because that's true! If they have only one, then that has to be the one they use to throw. It's not an exception, it's just common sense. As long as they can perform the mechanics of the throw - from behind and over the head, at the point it left the field, both feet on or behind the line and facing the field, what's to quibble. You did a good job of using basic common sense - congratulations! I'm sure you'll do fine on upgrades.