Throw-Ins Behind Barriers

[Archer]

Regarding Law 15: The Throw-in

There's nothing in Law (though, as we all know, that doesn't mean it wasn't in circular 2.145 as an amendment to paragraph 3.6 on an ifab 2015 document) regarding how far back from the field markings that encompass the field of play that a player may 'deliver' a throw-in. Right.. so what i'm asking is... at grounds which have a phyiscal barrier between pitch and everything else... can a player take a throw-in from beyond them?

Like this, from tonight... (photo)

I've never really known. It *feels* wrong, and over the years I've either called it good AND foul depending on spirit / heat of the game .

PHOTO: Ball went out, player skidded out, grabbed ball and took the throw-in from where the fella in the jeans is.

TLDR: CAN you take a throw-in from behind a barrier/rope surrounding the pitch?

 

[Tealeaf]

The field does encompass some of the ground beyond the touch lines and goal lines but that’s all. Beyond the barrier is outside of the boundary of the field. Must be taken from inside them.

 

[socal lurker]

Since the TI is supposed to be taken where the ball went out, from far away from th field ain’t that. (USSF used to tach thecTI should be from within a yard ogpf the touchline—I don’t k ow if that is still what they teach.

 

[TheFoodieReferee]

Since the TI is supposed to be taken where the ball went out, from far away from th field ain’t that. (USSF used to tach thecTI should be from within a yard ogpf the touchline—I don’t k ow if that is still what they teach.

I remember when I was playing out there and got myself booked for taking a quick throw-in from 4 yards behind the line where we went on and scored, I absolutely flipped my lid and gobbed off like a total reprobate at the referee and assistant for it and earned myself a nice yellow for it
I wouldn’t dream of going on like that now but it’s a different world reffing and playing out there

 

[santa sangria]

Common sense, no.

See also, we have a popular pitch where the sideline quickly becomes a grass bank. No way we want a goal scored from a long throw from a 2 yard elevation! No surprises. Tell the ARs before the match to watch for it and be ready to use the whistle, have a laugh and be proactive!

 

[RustyRef]

They definitely can't take it from behind the barrier, this part of law clearly precludes that as an option.

throw the ball with both hands from behind and over the head from the point where it left the field of play

The ball leaves the field of play when it crosses the touchline, not the barrier. If someone throws it from behind the barrier they can't possibly be throwing it from where it left the FOP. Even without barriers you need to be careful letting players take throws back from the touchline as it potentially allows them to get the ball back into play much further forward than it should do.

 

[Big Cat]

There's no mention of how close to the touchline a player needs to be when taking a TI
That's the only fact that can be stated. Notwithstanding that, common sense prevails. It would be carnage if a goal ensued

 

[RustyRef]

There's no mention of how close to the touchline a player needs to be when taking a TI
That's the only fact that can be stated. Notwithstanding that, common sense prevails. It would be carnage if a goal ensued

Not sure I agree with that, the words "at the point where it left the field of play" are very specific. There can only be one point where the ball leaves the FOP, so the throw-in has to be taken from there. They can obviously have a run up to get to that point, but not if there is a barrier in the way.

 

[Russell Jones]

Not sure I agree with that, the words "at the point where it left the field of play" are very specific. There can only be one point where the ball leaves the FOP, so the throw-in has to be taken from there. They can obviously have a run up to get to that point, but not if there is a barrier in the way.

You're right, the law is specific. However, the fact that it is absolutely normal & routine for referees to allow a) throws taken from a yard or two off the pitch at the correct spot and b) throws taken from places obviously closer to the player's own goal, means that it is unclear at what point we actually draw the line and make a stand on what is legal! Life would be much simpler if we were simply told to properly enforce both these points .. however, for what it's worth, I'm not allowing a throw in from outside a boundary rope / barrier

 

[one]

Not sure I agree with that, the words "at the point where it left the field of play" are very specific. There can only be one point where the ball leaves the FOP, so the throw-in has to be taken from there. They can obviously have a run up to get to that point, but not if there is a barrier in the way.

We have debated this a few times in the past. To make a point I would refer to the history of law 15 for the relevant parts.

1997 (earliest version I have) to 07-08
Main body: A throw-in is awarded... from the point where it crossed the touch line
Procedure: the thrower delivers the ball from behind and over his head

08-09 to 15-16
Procedure: the thrower:
• delivers the ball from behind and over his head
• delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play

16-17 to now
Procedure: the thrower:
• throw the ball with both hands from behind and over the head from the point where it left the field of play

I believe the two changes made in 30 years or so were for cosmetic reasons only and there was no intent whatsoever to change how a throw in is taken especially the 16-17 change with the explanation:


Yet if we look at the original version, it is perfectly fine and within the LOTG to throw the ball a yard or two away from the touchline.

As for OP, no I would not allow a throw in from behind the fence/rope. But how far back from the line? within reason and depends on the ground, etc.