The Ref Stop

Throw ins- how far can the player get?

Donate to RefChat

Help keep RefChat running, any donation would be appreciated

Status
Not open for further replies.

blueslipper

New Member
The rule states a throw in must be taken where the ball went out. In practice every referee lets players take about 5 metres either way before they will bring them back. If a player goes more than 5 metres and takes the throw , the referee usually makes them take it again. Why not call this a foul throw? Give the throw in to the opposing team.
 
The Ref Stop
In law, the throw in should be taken exactly where the ball went out of play. In reality, there will always be a bit of leeway. Why? There would be uproar if officials made people take the throw from the exact blade of grass everytime.
 
Why not call this a foul throw?
If the ref has told them already to move back and they take the throw anyway, they probably will pull it back. However, most players tend to move back just about far enough when told to avoid conceding the foul throw.
 
The rule states a throw in must be taken where the ball went out. In practice every referee lets players take about 5 metres either way before they will bring them back. If a player goes more than 5 metres and takes the throw , the referee usually makes them take it again. Why not call this a foul throw? Give the throw in to the opposing team.

Not every referee let's players take about 5 metres either way.

Often in the defensive area, and more so further back in that area, a bit of leeway will be given, as you go further up the field refs will be more picky.

If teams want refs making players take throw ins, free kicks etc from the exact spot then let them tell the refs before the game, and wait for the cards to flow for PI, DRP, USB.

I'll have no sympathy for the teams.

Edit - to add, sometimes, it's not obvious to a referee, especially with car's, where the throw in should be taken from. It might be more obvious in that situation to a TA occupant, depending on viewing angle.

Unfortunately, that's just part of the game.
 
In practice how far away I (or most referees) allow a player to take the TI depends on the impact that distance has. For example they can be in the attacking third, 10m forward of the correct spot but throw it backwards 20m, likely I'll let it go. But they could be only 5m forward but throwing it in to the opponent's PA and I'd want to go back.

There are also other considerations like taking it quickly from the wrong spot to gain an advantage.
 
I don't think there is a basis for a TI to be retaken from the proper location--unless the R has already decided to stop it from being taken and to instruct them to move back. If the R permits the TI to take place, then it is TI that does not comply with the TI procedure and a TI for the other team. Of course, only the R knows if he was in the process of stopping the TI such that it was not conducted with his permission, so no one really knows what was in the R's head.
 
In my opinion, it's all about match control. I usually clamp down on the first TI that is taken from the incorrect place. Just a friendly "it went off back there, fella" when they are about to take it. I think it shows both teams at the outset that you're a ref that doesn't let things slide. Once you let them take TI's from the incorrect place you'll be dealing with free kicks etc being taken like this and players that think your decisions have a little leeway.
 
I had this on Saturday.

In the defensive half I'm not too bothered and mostly let them get on with it unless it is howlingly out of place.

In the attacking half I was reasonably directive with the first few, and whistled to bring back 5 yards or so. After that they would just give me a look for position, I'd give the thumbs up or a nod if I was happy, and off they go. All pretty low key and low impact.

I think you need to start this off early in the game so they know you have an expectation, or it seems like you are being reactive and fussy.
 
I usually start clamping down on it from the halfway line and heading into the attacking half, and quite relaxed in the defensive half unless they take the piss. Your best friend will always be remembering who has that 10-15 yard run up and work with them. A little "if you want a run start 10 back" helps manage the situation
 
I don't think there is a basis for a TI to be retaken from the proper location--unless the R has already decided to stop it from being taken and to instruct them to move back. If the R permits the TI to take place, then it is TI that does not comply with the TI procedure and a TI for the other team. Of course, only the R knows if he was in the process of stopping the TI such that it was not conducted with his permission, so no one really knows what was in the R's head.
That is exactly the basis.

Referee "stops" player taking a throw from the wrong place, but they are already in motion and the ball slips out - retake.

Referee allows or fails to react to player taking a throw from the wrong place - foul throw and it gets turned over.

If you're going to do the latter deliberately (perhaps if a player has already had multiple warnings and you see him heading off down the line again anyway), I find it particularly helpful to be stood in line with the correct position with your arm out as you blow. Once the player realises he'll have to jog 15-20 yards back up the pitch to argue with you and to get to the point the throw should have been taken, he will generally accept he's made a mistake.
 
That is exactly the basis.

Referee "stops" player taking a throw from the wrong place, but they are already in motion and the ball slips out - retake.

Referee allows or fails to react to player taking a throw from the wrong place - foul throw and it gets turned over.

If you're going to do the latter deliberately (perhaps if a player has already had multiple warnings and you see him heading off down the line again anyway), I find it particularly helpful to be stood in line with the correct position with your arm out as you blow. Once the player realises he'll have to jog 15-20 yards back up the pitch to argue with you and to get to the point the throw should have been taken, he will generally accept he's made a mistake.
Oh yes. I usually stand in line with the thrower (unless it's near the corners) and say "in line with me, please". As I say, it's all about keeping control.
The biggest problem again though, is the professional game. The kids I ref watch and copy the professionals creeping up the line and getting away with it, so they follow suit.
 
Frustrating as it can be, we can't control the professional game, we can to some extent control the game we're refereeing. This isn't one of those weird bits of law that no one knows - everyone knows the throw in should be taken from the position the ball goes out of play. All they need is some guidance from the referee on the day with regards to how strictly they are expected to follow that principal.
 
Last edited:
In my opinion, it's all about match control. I usually clamp down on the first TI that is taken from the incorrect place. Just a friendly "it went off back there, fella" when they are about to take it. I think it shows both teams at the outset that you're a ref that doesn't let things slide. Once you let them take TI's from the incorrect place you'll be dealing with free kicks etc being taken like this and players that think your decisions have a little leeway.
With being proactive on some of the first throws you can then find that some players will start to look to you for guidance later on in the game with an “Am I alright here ref?” kind of look as well
 
Remember where they start from is invariably going to be at least 3 yards from where they end up releasing it.
When you make them move back bear this in mind. If you move them back and they end up releasing it where you pushed them back from then it looks like you've been mugged off.
 
With being proactive on some of the first throws you can then find that some players will start to look to you for guidance later on in the game with an “Am I alright here ref?” kind of look as well
Oh yes. Happens all the time. But it shows you're in control
 
Anyone see Joe Hart's summary of the Arsenal v Brentford is game on MOTD ? stating that Brentford were "streetwise" and "were really clever here" because they took a throw-in nowhere near the corner flag where it went out, which led to a goal from a header. No....it's called cheating and they shouldn't be giving the impression to fans (especially young ones) that this acceptable 😡
 
The trick is to blow the whistle before the throw is taken. That way you can ask them to move to the right spot rather than turn it over and nobody expects any different.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top