Question Number: 22905

Law 15 - Throw In 3/5/2010

RE: Rec Under 14

Patrick Joyner of Monroe, Georgia United States asks...

I recently refereed a game where a peculiar instance happened. A throw in was being taken by a player on his own half of the field. The player saw no one open to receive the ball so he threw it to his own goalie. The ball was thrown relatively high and the goalie was caught off guard and he immediately used his hands to deflect the ball, only for it to go right into the goal. I gave a goal to the opposing team even though the goalie handled the ball just before it passed under the cross bar. I though that the right call was made but needless to say some of the parents weren't happy with my decision. Did I make the right call? Is their a rule that says about what call has more precedence over another?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

You made the right call.

Although it is a foul for the keeper to touch the ball directly on a throw-in by a teammate, the referee should allow advantage and not stop play when the ball enters the goal. Award the goal.

Parents are sometimes clueless on the laws, but this could have been a teachable moment for the coach. If the goalkeeper had not touched the ball and simply allowed the ball go into the goal, the restart would have been a corner kick.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Joyner
Absolutely correct decision. This scenario was covered in the 2006 Questions and Answers 15.8

'' A player takes a throw-in. He throws the ball directly to his goalkeeper who touches the ball in attempting to stop it entering the goal. The ball enters the goal, however. What action does the referee take?
The advantage is allowed and a goal is awarded.''

Had the goalkeeper known the Laws he could have allowed the ball to enter the goal and the restart would have been a corner kick.