OOB Throw In - Step on the line

[Bresquire]

Now, i started asking this to officials last year i worked with , it was about a 50\50 split.

Assuming there is a definate line painted around the court, not just wood grain to a solid color to the wall. Although that helps my point a little if it painted like that.

When A1 goes to throw the ball in, steps on the painted line but does not touch the woodgrain of the court. Is this crossing the plane, or does the player indeed have to touch the grain of the court for crossing the plane, and thus losing the throw in.

I haven't found it in the book yet but my contention is on a live ball from the court as soon as you step on the line, the play is called dead. So on a dead ball throw in you are OOB and step on the line you are still OOB. Others have said on a dead ball, the line becomes the boundry for live or dead. What do you think.

Bresquire