Question Number: 20226

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 10/12/2008

RE: Competitive Adult

Joey of Tampa, Fl US asks...

Is the ball out or in when it hits the top of the crossbar. Say from a cross.

Example: Ball was crossed, keeper went to make a play on the ball, but couldn't because it bounced of the top of the crossbar and into play.

I can think of a couple times where I have seen this has been called out of play and awarded a goal kick or corner.

And I just saw it called the other way as in play.

So what is the call, ref?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The crossbar is to be the same width as the goal lice. Consequently, the entire crossbar is part of the field. As long as the ball doesn't pass over the crossbar, it should be considered in play

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The crossbar is the same 5 inch boundry as the goal line wich extend forever upward and the ball must COMPLETELY cross over into touch to be out of play. Thus crossbar is in play as it is to all intents and purposes a soild 5 inch boundry line. Where there are issues is football uprights or dual crossbars with any contact with them is out of play as they should not be there.

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Assuming the boundaries of the field are proper then the ball would still be in play as the crossbar should sit directly above the goalline, according to law 1.

I've had this happen to me while I was an AR where the ball actually bounced on the top side of the crossbar two times before finally dropping down into the goalkeepers arms.