Question Number: 26843

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 9/26/2012

RE: high school Under 16

grant of cadillac, mi USA asks...

My son kicked a ball that deflected off the goalie and went toward the goal. The goalie raced after it and picked it up at the goal line but then fell into the goal. Is that considered a goal for my son or an own gaol on the goalie?

thanks,

Grant

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Does it matter? (Well, maybe for bragging rights.) Your son's team gets another goal added to their tally; perhaps it was the winning goal. That's the only stat that concerns referees - the total number of goals scored. All other stats are made up by the coaching staff, or commentators in the case of professional teams.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Grant
In the professional game Leagues have what is called a ' Questionable Goals Panel' to adjudicate on such situations. It also exists in Fantasy Football games where the organisers make the decision. Generally if the ball is headed for the goal and it is deflected by an opponent the goal is still credited to the attacking player. However if the ball was going wide or away from goal and it is deflected into the goal by an opponent that is deemed to be an own goal.
As it is a subjective matter one would need to see the situation. However as a general principle if the goalkeeper's actions were all part of the same save of trying to keep the ball out of the goal then it would be a goal for your son. I suspect that his team 'credited ' him with the score anyway. well done to him.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

In my match, I'm giving the goal to your son. The ball probably would have entered the goal regardless of the keeper's conduct.