Question Number: 19509

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 6/24/2008

RE: Competetive Under 18

Renee Corby of Bloomingdale, NJ USA asks...

A cross comes down directly on the top of the goal's crossbar, then bounces onto the playing field.

Is it in play or out of bounds?

Being that the goal is set directly on the goal line, it was always my understanding that it is part of the playing field and the ball would still be in play.

I was at a tournament game when this happened and coaches and fans started screaming that the ball was out of bounds and the referee agreed.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

It all depends on whether or not the ball left the field. If when bouncing on the crossbar, it did leave the field (as in the air over the goal), then goal kick or corner depending on who kicked it last. Likely that it did not leave the field, since it bounced back in. This is where it is really important for the AR to be in position to see if the ball is in or out. The parents/fans and referee may have been thinking of high school or some fields where the American football goal uprights are part of the same structure used for the soccer nets and goal. In that case, only the uprights are 'out', meaning a ball that hits one will be out of play.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

This exact thing happened in a game I was an assistant referee for recently. The ball was struck, started to curve toward the goal line a little but clearly was still in play. The ball then bounced on the top of the cross bar, twice, never leaving play, it then bounced back into the field and was headed in for a goal.

We gave the goal, and rightfully so, because the ball never left the field of play. The attackers were lucky - but luck often favors the skilled too.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You might re-evaluate your tournament selection. Those that allow parents and coaches to scream at referees are suspect. Those that hire referees that let the screamers get away with it, and even agree with them when they're clearly wrong, are even more suspect.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The ball is not out of play until the whole ball leaves the field of play. This did not happen in your situation and therfor the ball was in play.