Question Number: 24335

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 11/16/2010

RE: College

Matt Posten of springfield, united stares asks...

If the keeper has possession of the ball and the ball does not cross the goal line yet a part of the keeper's body does, is that a goal?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

No, it doesn't matter where the goalkeeper is; what matters is where the ball is. Law 10 says, 'A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement of the Laws of the Game has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal.'

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Matt, unlike other sports like basketball, soccer is all about the ball. It is actually physically possible for the goalie to be completely OUTSIDE the field of play, i.e. in the net and still make a save. The only point to consider is: did the almighty ball cross the goal line? In your example therefore, since the ball did not cross the goal line, it is not a goal.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Matt
The position of the ball is all that matters in soccer. So for a goal to be scored all of the ball must be over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar. Even if part of the ball is touching the line it is not a goal.