Let’s examine proper positioning on throw-ins in the defensive end. You can see the direction of the ball by the arrow indicated. Referees must know the “options of the players. What will they do? Although the referee will not know for sure, he/she must know what the player “can do”. In all cases, the referee must consider the next segment of play. Therefore, he must position himself and be ready for that next segment.

So, what are the player’s options? The defensive player (red) needs to find the safest place to play the ball. Typically, the ball goes forward. The defensive player does not want to place himself in jeopardy of gaining possession in that part of the field.

The referee also needs and angle to view the play. In this position, the referee can view the player throwing the ball and able to view the next segment of the play. Once the ball is in play, the referee can adjust his position to be ready for the next segment.

1. 1. The referee does not want to be behind the play as this will not be beneficial for the next segment of play. He would be too far behind the play as the ball goes forward. He would also have to “dodge” players to catch up to the next segment.
2. 2. The other unacceptable position is when the referee is too close to the players possibly involved once the ball is put into play. Referees should not interfere with the players’ movements.
3. 3. The correct position is where the referee is in his own space without interfering with any players. The referee also has a position to “move” to another area of the field if the ball is thrown towards him. He should move away from the direction of the ball and be able to move towards the next segment of play. He can move into either direction noted by the arrows.