Question Number: 15501

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 5/17/2007

RE: REC Under 14

DOUG LEAVER of BASTROP, TX USA asks...

Does the entire ball need to cross the white line in the goal box to be considered a score? In a recent tournament the referee issued a goal on a ball that was approx one third over the line when the keeper kicked it out during a shoot-out.

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

ALL of the ball must be over ALL of the line and under the crossbar between the goal posts in accordance with Law 10 for a goal to be scored.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Whole of the ball passing the whole of the goal line either in the air or on the ground under the crossbar and between the posts provided the Laws of the Game are not infringed is a goal. It is also a goal if the referee makes a mistake and says it crossed the line even though it didn't. Stuff just happens.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The entire ball must cross the entire goal line in order for a goal to be scored, this is very clearly defined in law 10.

If it's as you say, the referee shouldn't have given the goal in this case. However, the position of the ball is up to the judgment of the referee. If the referee was of the opinion that the entire ball crossed the entire goal line, went underneath the crossbar and in-between both goal posts, then he must allow the goal. The referee's decisions regarding facts connected with play are final. Whether or not a goal is scored is a fact connected with play, so the referee's decision is final. Perhaps you saw one thing and the referee saw another - in this case he is correct, however if he knowingly allowed a goal that he didn't think left the field of play into the goal - then he is wrong.