Question Number: 20213

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 10/11/2008

RE: Rec. Under 16

Mark of Corydon, Indiana USA asks...

If the goalie catches the ball behind the posts is it a goal? Secondly, if he catches it behind the posts and then drops it, is it a goal.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball has crossed the back of the goal line.

If the goalkeeper caught the ball behind the posts, the question is whether or not all of the ball was past the outer edge of the goal line. If it was, it is a goal. If any part of the ball is still within the plane of the line, it is not a goal.

It makes no difference if the goalkeeper keeps it or drops it. What matters is the position of the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Law 10 states clearly the WHOLE of the ball must pass COMPLETELY over the goal line, between the posts and undr the crossbar to count as a goal provided no infringmemt of the laws by the team scoring the goal has occurred!

A keeper catching the ball or droping the ball is inconsequential the ball itself is all that is considered. The goal line is a 5 inch deep boundry 8 yards wide and 8 feet high. The whole of the ball passes through that oppening it is a goal whether the keeper is touching the ball or not
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Law 10 tells us that a goal is scored when all of the ball crosses over all of the line under the crossbar and between the goal posts. Doesn't matter if the keeper is holding or dropping the ball. All that matters is where the ball is