LAW 15 - THE THROW-IN
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Mechanics - Below are the proper mechanics for a throw-in in the Assistant Referee's end of the Touch Line

Referee

  • Whistles to stop play only if necessary (players are continuing to play the ball)
  • Points in direction of throw-in indicated by AR
  • Indicates direction of throw-in, if AR is unsure or Referee disagrees with AR's decision
  

Assistant Referee

  • Signals with flag 45 degrees upward in the direction of the throw-in
  • If the ball passes out of play and immediately returns to the field, signals with a vertical flag until acknowledged by Referee, then flags in the direction of the throw-in
  • Drops flag when it is clear that restart and direction are established
  • If the Referee does not see it, maintains the signal in accordance with the pregame conference
  • For restart, positions themself between the thrower and goal line, regardless of direction of the throw
  • Supervises throw-in elements per pregame conference

Mechanics - Below are the proper mechanics for a throw-in in the Referee's end of the touch line

Referee

  • Signals stoppage of play (whistle only if necessary)
  • Points 45 degrees upward to indicate direction of throw-in
  • Indicates correct location for restart
  • Prepares to vary from recommended position (see diagrams below) if needed - avoid being in likely target area based on reading team or observed player throw-in tactics
Click on this picture for a video about throw-in procedures

Assistant Referee

  • If ball passes out of play and immediately returns to the field, signals with a vertical flag in the hand indicating the direction of the throw
  • Drops the flag when acknowledged by the Referee
  • Mirrors Referee's signal (in support of Referee decision) using standard throw-in signal
  •  If Referee makes obvious eye contact to request assistance with direction of the throw-in, AR uses the standard throw-in signal to indicate the direction

Properly taken Throw-In:
A throw-in must be performed while the thrower is facing the field, but the ball may be thrown into the field in any direction

Law 15 states that the thrower "delivers the ball from behind and over his head".  This phrase does not mean that the ball must leave the hands from an overhead position

A natural throwing movement starting from behind and over the head will usually result in the ball  leaving the hands when they are in front of the vertical plane of the body

The throwing movement must be continued to the point of release
Graphic used with permission of Referee Magazine - DO NOT COPY
Both Hands:
There is no requirement prohibiting spin or rotational movement. 

However, if one hand is simply used to guide the ball and not actually used to throw the ball, the referee may deem this an infringement
Flip throw:
The acrobatic or "flip" throw-in is not by itself an infringement so long as it is performed in a manner which meets the requirements of a legal throw-in
Graphic used with permission of Referee Magazine - DO NOT COPY
Trifling Infringements:
Referees are reminded that the primary function of the throw-in is to put the ball back into play as quickly as possible. 

At competitive levels of play, therefore, apparent technical infringements should often be deemed trifling or doubtful so long as an advantage is not obtained by the team performing the throw-in and the restart occurs with little or no delay
Opponent Behavior:
All opponents must stand no less than 2 yards/meters from the point a which the throw-in is taken

Opponents are prohibited from unfairly distracting, interfering with, or impeding a player who is putting the ball back into play on a throw-in

Referees should manage the minimum distance requirement at a throw-in in the same way they manage the minimum distance requirement for free kicks and corner kicks

The thrower has the option of performing the restart even if an opponent is closer than two yards and the Referee should not ordinarily interfere with quick throw-in restarts to enforce the minimum distance unless this is requested by the thrower
Thrower Behavior:
A throw-in taken in such a way that the ball strikes an opponent (in a non-violent manner) is not by itself a violation of the Law

If it was performed in a violent manner, the restart is located at the place where the throw-in struck the opponent. 

If the throw-in is deemed to have taken incorrectly or from the wrong location, the correct restart is a throw-in for the opposing team
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