Question Number: 22699

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 1/4/2010

RE: Adult

Angus of East London, South Africa asks...

If a ball, during the course of play deflects off a referee into the opposing teams net, will the goal be allowed?

I couldn't find the answer in Fifa's rules of the game. It only indicates that play continues in the event that the ball strikes the referee or assistant referee in the course of play.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If play continues when the ball strikes the referee, then because the ball is in play, when the ball crosses the goal line under the cross bar and between the goal posts, according to Law 10, a goal has been scored.

Referees try very hard to position themselves so such things don't occur, but occasionally no matter how skilled the referee or the teams, the ball will make contact with the referee. The referee is considered part of the field, and a ball that strikes a referee or even an assistant referee and remains on the field remains in play, until it exits the field or the referee blows the whistle.

If had been a dropped ball, and the ball hit the ground putting it into play and was then kicked into the referee's legs, bouncing out to the other team who then buried it in the goal, the result is the same.

Hope that helps?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Angus
While now surpassed, the former Questions and Answers on the Laws of the Game can be an invaluable source of information, provided of course the relevant law has not been updated.
In this example there are a few relevant questions
Q&A 2006 16.3 'When a player takes a goal kick, the ball strikes the referee inside the penalty area and continues in play. What action does the referee take?
No action is necessary. The ball remains in play after it rebounds from the referee in the field of play.'

Q&A 2006 5.1' If a referee is struck in the face by the ball, which then enters the goal while he is temporarily incapacitated, should a goal be allowed although he has not seen it scored?
Yes, but only if, in the opinion of the assistant referees or the fourth
official, the goal was properly scored.'

This has always been the Law and it has not changed so a goal has been scored in your example. As Referee Maloney states referees pay special attention to their position on the field of play to ensure this does not happen.
Thankfully it has never happened to me nor have I seen it happen as it would be very embarrassing for the referee to deflect the ball into a goal.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

For this purpose, referees are considered part of the field - just like the rocks some think we are as smart as.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Such referees must have better situational awareness! Failing that ensure the car is parked close to the exit idling with doors unlocked ready to go once the referee has departed the field for a hasty exit.
Every referee will get in the way on occasion as either too slow to react, unable to adjust to erratic play or poor positioning. Saying, "I am Sorry!" will help but not likely sooth the affections of the team so disadvantaged. Just learn to anticipate and at times pray for a bit for a wee bit of luck.

Cheers