Question:
I know that the rules state that the throw-in has to take place within one yard/meter from where the ball exited the field of play. I am looking for some clarification on this rule. Does this mean that the ball has to “re-enter” the field of play from within 1 yard/meter of where it exited, or does it mean that the player throwing the ball has to be within 1 yard/meter for where it exited? I was recently playing in a game where I threw the ball back in, but was standing about 2-3 meters behind the touchline (but was directly behind where the ball exited the field of play). The referee blew down the throw-in stating that I had to be within a yard of where it exited.
What is the correct ruling?
I know that the rules state that the throw-in has to take place within one yard/meter from where the ball exited the field of play. I am looking for some clarification on this rule. Does this mean that the ball has to “re-enter” the field of play from within 1 yard/meter of where it exited, or does it mean that the player throwing the ball has to be within 1 yard/meter for where it exited? I was recently playing in a game where I threw the ball back in, but was standing about 2-3 meters behind the touchline (but was directly behind where the ball exited the field of play). The referee blew down the throw-in stating that I had to be within a yard of where it exited.
What is the correct ruling?
USSF answer (August 30, 2010):
The player should be within one meter/yard of the place the ball left the field. However, we need to remember that this is usually a very simple play, restarting when the ball has left the field. The referee should indicate to the player approximately where the ball should enter the field. The player should try not to cheat by 3 or more yards, as we often see in professional games.
The player should be within one meter/yard of the place the ball left the field. However, we need to remember that this is usually a very simple play, restarting when the ball has left the field. The referee should indicate to the player approximately where the ball should enter the field. The player should try not to cheat by 3 or more yards, as we often see in professional games.
