Question Number: 15386

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 5/5/2007

RE: High School Under 18

Al Kulawczyk of Warren, MI USA asks...

We had a debate at a recent high school game. I felt that if a ball hits the flag it is still touching part of the side or goal line and therfor the ball is still in play. Other parents felt if the ball hits the flag it has gone out of play. If a ball hits the corner flag, is it still in play?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The corner flag is still part of the field.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

A properly placed corner flag is on the field of play. It is mandated to be a part of the field, not unlike the goal posts. Those debating for the ball going out of play when hitting a corner flag post must also argue in the same manner when the ball hits a goal post. Note this argument will nullify some goals.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Ball is out when all ball crosses over all of the line. Both in the ground and in the air. Thus you were correct that a ball rebounding from flag and landing back on field is in play.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Leave it to parents to come up with creative rulings that have no place in the game. The ball is in play UNLESS it wholly crosses a goal line or touchline (aka sideline), OR if the referee stops play. That's it.