Throw-ins

[kevin]

I watched a bit of one of the USASA Open Cup qualifiers at City Park today. A player ran to retrieve a ball for a throw-in. He seemed to be roughly even with the spot where the ball went out, but he was clearly five yards (maybe more) behind the touchline. Ref blew the whistle and awarded a throw-in to the other team. The team with the original throw-in complained, and I heard the ref say that the thrower needs to be within one yard of the touchline. Looking at the Laws, I see nothing of the sort, although obviously the throw-in should be taken from where the ball went out of play, and I suppose you could say that standing five or ten yards away from the pitch means you aren't throwing it in from the spot where the ball went out.

Good call or no?

[happyjack]

Throw in is taken from the point the ball crossed the touch line...1 yard radius is what is taught. Most will give a yard or 2, 5 is too much. Right call, good call, one that many don't make.

[upper90]

Same call was called against us in the USASA State Cup in March.

I understand it's a rule. It just doesn't seem too important to call it. I feel as if it doesn't give a direct, clear advantage, it should be allowed (much like quick free kicks not directly on the spot of the foul).

[time2retire]

Without a clear, significant advantage gained, I consider this a trifling offense. I have better battles to fight.

[barnacle13]

Aren't throw ins at 55/45 possession win statistically for the team throwing in anyway. I know I've seen that stat somewhere. Given that where's the real advantage. Also, I can understand this being applied up and down the line, as players regularly try to gain an additional 10 yards with their run up. Many times that goes unpunished, but throwing from 5 yards off the line is an infraction. definitely trifling. definitely better battles to fight.

[happyjack]

Of course, if it is done from 5 - 10 yards off so it can be done quickly, before a defender can get there, then an advantage is being gained, and no longer trifling

[rlb2024]

Apr 16, 2013 21:30:56 GMT -6 happyjack said:

Of course, if it is done from 5 - 10 yards off so it can be done quickly, before a defender can get there, then an advantage is being gained, and no longer trifling

If this is the case, then when a player runs 5 to 10 yards down the touchline from where the ball went out to make a throw-in why does the CR make the player return to the original spot, but allow the offending team to re-take the throw?  Seems to me that this is a more obvious attempt to gain an advantage than taking the throw from 5 yards off the touchline but at the location where the ball went out.  Is the guidance inconsistent here?  I don't understand why one situation would be a turnover, but the (seemingly) more egregious offense is not.