Introduction:

The throw-in is just one jigsaw piece (constituent part) of the game as a whole that you will have to manage and control. If handled correctly, the throw-in should rarely cause you a problem, but there are a few things that you can do, that will help you when overseeing throw-ins and help you to minimise problems occurring. A throw-in is usually the first decision that you will have to make as a Referee in each half of the game, as invariably, within a matter of seconds, the ball will leave the field of play over one of the touch line boundaries. This offers you a first opportunity to be proactive by unconsciously manipulating players into taking all restarts from the correct position. Below, you will find the following three stages of managing a throw-in.

Stage 1: Involve yourself 100 percent in the very first few throw-ins in each of the two 45 minute periods of play. 
Stage 2: Confidant body language and signalling. 
Stage 3: Consolidating. 

If you can incorporate these three ideas immediately into your game, will get you off to a very good positive start.  

Stage 1: Involve yourself 100 percent in the very first few throw-ins in each of the two 45 minute periods of play.

As soon as you blow the whistle to start each half, be prepared to make your first decisions. This will very often be simple throw-in decisions. Commit yourself 100 percent to manage these first few throw-ins as if your life depended on it, as this can be your 'tipping-point' in terms of the players beginning to accept your authority right from the very start.

When you break down the benefits of involving yourself 100 percent in the very first few throw-ins of each half, as shown in the list above, it is not surprising that at least some of them will inevitable be consumed into the players' unconscious mind. This can only be beneficial to you as a Referee as the game unfolds. The ideas in this advice are things that you will physically and mentally have to do - so don't expect players to respect you without earning it.

Stage 2: Confidant body language and signalling. The idea is not to BOSS these early restarts by being overly assertive, but rather to quietly and confidently involve yourself 100 percent. If you are too strong when dealing with the minor trouble-less elements of a game (like these early throw-ins), it will lessen the assertiveness impact that will serve you better when dealing with possible serious incidents later on. To involve yourself 100 percent without being overpowering, you need to achieve a level of authority that does not end up making you look like a dictator who cares nothing about helping players to enjoy their sport.

• not trying to impose yourself by forcing players to do exactly what you want by using domineering command
• not executing arm, whistle and vocal signals like a Sergeant Major!
• using early stoppages to show in a quiet way, that if you are 'up for this game'

Stage 3: Consolidating. Throw-in consolidation:

• when the ball leaves the field of play for a throw-in, once you have shown the direction with a raised angled arm signal, sprint and position yourself square to where the ball left the field of play
• if you can't remember which way the throwing team is kicking, just shout, "Red throw" or Yellow throw" etc. until you are confident that your arm direction signals are pointing the right way!
• if you don't know which way to award the throw-in, give it to the defending team, unless you want too invite players to exploit your indecisiveness - but aim to get your first few decisions correct (this is even more important if you are an Assistant Referee)