Question Number: 15946

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 7/5/2007

RE: REC Under 15

Ron of Sioux City, IA USA asks...

I'd like to know if anyone has some background on why the ball isn't out of play until it has entirely crossed a touch or goal line, but on throw-ins, the trower is not considered to have entered the fireld so long as some part of his foot is still touching the touch line??

I know this is part of the reason that some youth leagues like the YMCA try to have the kids redo the throw if their foot even touches the line.

Just thought that one of your more experienced REFs might have some insight.

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I've heard that it is based way back in the history of the game. At one time, the throw-in had to be taken with your feet touching the line and had to go 90-degrees square into the field. Later the requirements were relaxed so that the ball could go in any direction - as long as it went toward the field - and that the player could be moving either on or behind the line.

There's a lot of people that don't understand the foot requirements. I had a coach from a club who was absolutely convinced that I as AR should have turned the ball over to his team because the thrower's toe was across the line and onto the green. I guess I had higher expectations for a club with a nationally-recognized name.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Thats just what they decided when they wrote the Laws for the benefit of the game. Perhaps they did not want to trifle the game by making players throw it in w/o touching the line.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A sweet mystery of life. It has made no sense for many years but that's the way it is.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The question should be why do all American games do it the other way? Tell me why a basket ball player can go three rows into the stands and bat a ball back onto the court and have play continue. Tell me why an American football player have the ball in his hands clearly over the side line and the ball remains in play and conversely have the ball in his hands two feet inside the playing surface then touch the line with his foot and play stops. Yet that same player gets the ball in contact with the goal line and points are scored, points YET???