Question Number: 28012

Law 15 - Throw In 11/18/2013

RE: competitive

Tim of kernersville, nc usa asks...

This question is a follow up to question 26074

When the ball passes entirely over the touchline, the ball is out of play and results in a throw-in. If even part of the ball is over/on the touchline, it is in play.

My question is, when there is a throw-in, is the opposite in effect? Does the ball have to pass entirely over the touchline to be in play? I had a throw-in that landed on the touchline and stayed on the line to a standstill.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Tim
Once the ball touches any part of the plane of the line at the throw in it is in play. If the ball landed on the touchline then that ball is in play and it may be played. If it subsequently goes out of play the TI is taken from where the ball left the field of play again.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The touch line is part of the field of play. So, when leaving the field all of the ball has to cross over all of the line to be out of play and when entering the field, the ball only has to come in contact with or break the plane above any part of the touch line to be in play.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 28017