Throw-ins are a thorough pain in the arse for
referees. Players get annoyed if you call them, thinking you're being petty.
Opposing players get annoyed if you don't
call them, thinking that you are either lax, biased or don't know the laws. In
the back of your mind you're always thinking, "This is one of those stupid
laws that doesn't really affect the game either way - why not just let them
hurl, punt or use a giant catapult to put the ball back into play?"
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| Getting away with foul throws at least since 1963 (pic: unknown, via Sulgrave FC) |
It's amazing how many players don't know the throw-in law.
"What did I do wrong?" they whine after dropping the ball in, spiking
the ball, standing half a foot inside the touchline, or lifting one or both legs half a yard off the floor as they throw.
With very young players, I usually show them how to throw properly then let
them take it again (note to coaches - you're welcome, though a five-minute
session at training should put this right). At around the U13-U15 level, I tell
them what they did wrong and allow a re-take. From that age level upwards I
shout a quick critique, then the throw goes the other way, as per the laws.
