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 his head

The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. All opponents must stand no less than 2 meters from the point at which the throw-in is taken. The ball is in play immediately after it enters the field of play. Infringements/Sanctions 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

If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower:
	he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour and shown the yellow card

For any other infringement of this Law:
	the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team

Copyright © 2006 Grantham & District Referees' Association
Last modified: 27 June, 2006
Authorised use of references and pictures granted by Fédération Internationale de Football Association [FIFA] - 11th January 2001 Copyright © 1994-2000