The OFFICIAL SOCCER SITE - Law 15

XV - The Throw-In

A throw-in is a method of restarting play.

A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.

Throw-In

A throw-in is awarded:

when the whole of the ball passes over the touch line, either on the ground or in the air

from the point where it crossed the touch line

to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball

Procedure

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:

faces the field of play

has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line

uses both hands

delivers the ball from behind and over his head

The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.

The ball is in play immediately it enters the field of play.

Infringements/Sanctions

Throw-in taken by a player other than the goalkeeper If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred* (see preface)

If, after the ball is in play, the thrower deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred* (see preface)

a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the thrower's penalty area

Throw-in taken by the goalkeeper If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time (except with his hands), before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see preface)

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper's penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see preface)

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see preface)

If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower:

he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour and shown the yellow card

For any other infringement of this Law:

the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team

Laws of the Game

The OFFICIAL SOCCER SITE