The Ref Stop

Throw In - has the ball entered play?

Dave Ambrose

New Member
Level 7 Referee
From a throw in, if the ball travels parallel straight along and above the line, bounces on it and then goes out has it entered the field of play and gone out again? I guess so but just checking. It sort of implies that the throw in can be taken with the ball already in the field of play!
 
The Ref Stop
Short answer is yes.

Touchline is part of field of play and if any part of the ball goes over the touchline, it means the ball has entered the field of play. Conversely , when the ball is going out, if any part of the ball is still on top of the line, it means the ball is still in play (the whole ball whole line thing.

You have picked up on one of intricacies of the LOTG. It does implies that the throw in 'procedure' may not be complete with the ball already in the field of play but more interestingly, it is the only time a deliberate handball offence is legal :)
 
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