Question Number: 30117

Law 15 - Throw In 2/16/2016

RE: Select Under 12

Jim of Bellevue, WA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29067

On the throw in the thrower steps entirely onto the field(over the line). What is the proper restart for the other team?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jim
If a throw in has been taken incorrectly the restart is a throw in to the opponents from the same location.
Now some believe incorrectly that any part of the foot cannot be over the line. Not so. As long as part of the foot / feet are touching the line say the heels that is legal.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jim,
if the foot is completely inside the FOP, no part of it remains on the touchline, then technically it is a loss of possession and the throw in is awarded to the opposition from the same location for being performed incorrectly.
Some believe if it is not blatant, it is trifling and ignored if say the opposition benefited. If it clearly allows for an advantageous restart by the thrower it is not trifling in my opinion. Some believe we correct it before the throw as a reminder in youth. Intervention by the neutral referee does carry risk be sure the association has a policy and its actions are age level appropriate. I was AR in a youth match tournament helping out while the team I coached was on a break. The throw in performed by the over eager midfielder who quickly ran several yards from the spot and was a yard inside inside the FOP with both feet upon release. It started a promising attack. I popped flag, match referee berated me as it was their POLICY to consider incorrectly taken throw in restarts as trifling.
Seriously!
Cheers