Question Number: 18295

Law 1- The Field 1/26/2008

RE: All Other

Joe Iano of Seattle, WA USA asks...

At a recent game: The goal line was 5 inches wide. The goal posts of the movable goals were rectangular and only about half as deep. When positioning the goal, should the backs of the posts (facing away from the field) be aligned with the outside edge of the goal line, or should the fronts of the posts (facing toward the field) be aligned with the inner edge of the goal line? Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

This is addressed in the entry level referee course. Because the goal line is the same width as the goal posts and the goal line outer edge is the end of the field the back edge of the goal post should be on the back edge of the goal line. This fact is not addressed in Advice to referees, though it should be.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The back of the post should align with the back of the goal line.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The goal line marks the field not the goal posts. The posts should of course be the same width as the line but if not the back of the post is put on the back of the line. Also, the goal MUST be anchored or there can be no match

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Common sense tells us the back of the goal post must align with the back of the goal line, as that is critical to decision making for referee and AR. Otherwise, how will an AR be able to tell the ball has crossed wholly into the goal from her perfect position on corner of the goal line and the touchline?