Question Number: 19867

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 9/3/2008

RE: Girls U-11 Youth League Under 11

Rob of Hampstead, MD USA asks...

In soccer, the ball is not out of bounds until it is completely past the plane of the touch or goal line, but what is the regulation for the player? Is the same true for the player, i.e. can you have part of the body in and part out, and still be considered in bounds (during non stop-related play)? Also, what happens when a player completely steps out of bounds w/o ref permission (momentum or fall, etc.) can they jump back in at the point of exit and resume play?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Rob it is simply a REASONABLE expectation that players remain ON the field of play WHENEVER possible because to leave it WITHOUT The referee's permission is a cardable offence with an INDFK restart.

That said when the ball is out of play and a player chases the ball to return it no referee is going to worry as it is REASONABLE behavior.

The same for when the ball is in play you attempt to get to a ball near a touchline or goal line and accidentally fall or your momentum carries you past it perfectly reasonable and you are expected to return as soon as you practically can.

When an attacking player takes the ball into the corner to use up time as a defender you can step outside the field to force him away from the flag as he is shielding the ball basically in the corner arc. It is reasonable behavior.

A defender who DELIBERATELY Steps outside the field to deceive the referee or AR into thinking an offside call has committed USB it is unreasonable behavior.
An attacker who steps outside the goal line to show non involvement is reasonable but that same attacker deceives or uses his exit to distract or call out verbally to distract has committed unreasonable behavior results in a USB caution

Basically NO player can leave the field and TACTICALLY try to gain an advantage. You can step out to go around someone or be knocked out but in all cases you are EXPECTED to return as quick as you can and from the nearest point. No long run in behind the stands to come out unexpected on the far side is ever going to be tolerated.

No one disputes that a player MAY find himself accidentally outside the field in touch or if truly injured drags himself out into touch to accept medical treatment. The referee CAN grant permission, based on reasonable circumstances.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The ball and the player have different planes! :-)

The player is allowed to leave the field in order to play a ball along a touchline or goal line, or to go retrieve balls, thru momentum falls or other such parts of the game.

They are not allowed to leave the field to disadvantage the other team by trying to draw a call. That is unsporting behavior.