Question Number: 23379

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 5/27/2010

RE: Under 18

Sanjay of Bangalore, Karanataka India asks...

Is it a goal when the football passes the goal line in the air & if the goalkeeper without crossing the goal line manage to stop the ball from touching the net?(the ball is in the air)

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Law 9 says, 'The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air.' If it crosses the portion of the goal line between the goalposts, it is a goal. It doesn't have to touch the net or the ground - only be completely across the line.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Goalkeepers in such situations fervently hope the assistant referee is not in position on the goal line! If the AR is in position, they will see the whole ball cross the goal line, and signal to the referee.

That the keeper caught the ball and brought it back out onto the field is irrelevant as to the fact of whether a goal was scored or not. What is relevant is that the AR be in position or alternatively that the referee be in position to judge whether the whole ball crossed the goal line or not.

If a referee/AR isn't sure, no goal should be awarded, but if they are certain, then it is a fact, and the goal awarded.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Sanjay
When all of the ball crosses over the goal line a goal is awarded. The referee has to judge with the assistance of the assistant referee whether that indeed happened. Clearly there is no doubt when the ball hits the net. Interestingly enough nets are not a compulsory part of the goals.