Introduction

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A throw-in is a method of restarting play.

A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touch line, either on the ground or in the air.

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

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Procedure

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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
• holds the ball with both hands
• delivers the ball from behind and over his head
• delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play

All opponents must stand no less than 2 m (2 yds) from the point at which the throw-in is taken.

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

After delivering the ball, the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.

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Infringements and sanctions

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

• an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Rule 13 - Position of free kick)

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, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Rule 13 - Position of free kick)
• 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 again (except with his hands), before it has touched another player :

• an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Rule 13 - Position of free kick)

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, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Rule 13 - Position of free kick)
• an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Rule 13 -Position of free kick)

If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower :

• he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour

For any other infringement of this Law :

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

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