Question Number: 17808

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 11/9/2007

RE: Rec Other

Dawn of Queen Creek , AZ USA asks...

Hi
My question is: When the keeper is out side of the line in front of the goal box (not in the cage), and catches the ball in the air in the goal box is that a goal?
Thanks Dawn

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The line at the end of the rectangular field is called the goal line. The goal posts sit on this line, and the nets, if there are any, attach to the goalposts and the crossbar. If the keeper is on the field in front of the goal line, and catches the ball in the air, it is not a goal. The only way for it to become a goal is if all of the ball completely crosses over the goal line, under the crossbar and between the goal posts. It doesn't matter where the keeper is, only where the ball is located.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If the ball has completly crossed the goal line, between the posts, and under crossbar, then its a goal. It is not the position of the keeper that matters, but rather the ball. The keeper could have his/her feet off the field, but if the ball does not fully cross the goal line....then it is not a goal.