In soccer, the referee does not automatically give every throw-in five seconds. Under the IFAB Laws 2026/27, the referee starts a visible countdown only after judging a deliberate delay—and only in matches applying that edition.
When does the referee start the clock?
The referee may signal and begin the five-second countdown when they determine that the team taking the restart is deliberately delaying it. A raised hand marks the visual count. It is not an automatic timer each time the ball goes out.
First, has the ball gone out?
A throw-in goes to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball only when the whole ball passes over the touchline, on the ground or in the air. It is taken where the ball left the field.
When does play restart?
The ball is in play as soon as it enters the field. If it touches the ground before entering, the same team retakes the throw from the same spot; a teammate may take it.
A quick mechanics check
The thrower faces the field and, when delivering the ball, keeps part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside it. Both hands bring the ball from behind and over the head. Opponents must stay at least two meters from the point on the touchline.
If five seconds run out
If the ball is not in play at the end, the opponents take the throw-in from the same place. A player already throwing is not penalized just because the countdown ends. A caution under this procedure applies only if the player or a teammate then excessively delays the opponents’ restart.
Can a throw-in score directly?
No. If the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal kick is awarded; if it goes directly into the thrower’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded.
For a match-day check, confirm which Laws edition the competition applies. Under the 2026/27 countdown procedure, the referee’s deliberate-delay judgement and signal start the count; the ball still has to enter the field to be in play.
IFAB sources
IFAB Law 15: The Throw-in · IFAB throw-in countdown protocol · IFAB Circular 32 (2026 decisions)