LAW 15 - The Throw-In

A throw-in is a method of restarting play.

A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.

• A throw-in is awarded:
• When the whole of the ball passes over the touch line, either on the ground or in the air
• From the point where it crossed the touch line

To the opponents of the player who last touched the ball

Procedure

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:

• Faces the field of play
• Has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line
• Uses both hands
• Delivers the ball from behind and over their head

The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.

The ball is in play immediately after it enters the field of play.

Infringements/Sanctions

When a player has difficulty with the technique of throw-ins, the player should be given a second opportunity after the referee explains why the throw-in was not acceptable. If the player fails a second time with the technique, the throw-in should be taken by another player on the same team.

Throw-in taken by a player other than the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.

If, after the ball is in play, the thrower deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

• A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.
• A penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the thrower's penalty area

Throw-in taken by the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time (except with his hands), before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

• A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper's penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.
• An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.