Question Number: 20188

Law 1- The Field 10/7/2008

RE: travel Under 10

tim of plainville, ma usa asks...

There was a large tree overhanging a net. The branches are very high and have never before been an issue. A player kicked the ball, the ball flew over the goal hit the overhanging branch and came back into play. The players all stood still. One player went to the ball and kicked it into the goal. The ref allowed the goal. Was this the proper call? Thanks for your help.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

USSF has determined that natural obstacles (like overhanging trees) do not require the ball to be called out of play. They are the same for both teams.

Conversely, the upper part of a football style goal which is also used for soccer goals will be called out.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

This would be the proper procedure according to the USSF advice to referees... the tree is a naturally occurring obstruction and if it overhangs the field of play before the start of the game, then it is permitted.

Football field goalposts are not naturally occuring and therefore must be considered outside agents. Also naturally occuring objects that move onto or over the field during play and did not start there and are not stationary... are also considered to be outside agents.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

My colleagues have given you the answer if in fact the tree branches are overhanging (or are very close to) the goal line and prevented the ball from leaving the field.

However, I don't see in your description if that specifically was the case. You said the branches were over the net - that might mean they were behind the goal line. If the ball was able to get completely across the goal line and then touched a branch and bounced back in, play should have been stopped.