Question Number: 23790

Law 1- The Field 8/17/2010

RE: Grade 9 Ref + Rec Coach Under 10

John Lubeck of Livermore, CA USA asks...

I am told that the goal should be placed such that the rear of the post is aligned with the outside of the goal line. This of course, puts the post on the line and thus in the field of play. Is this correct?
Thanks,

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Actually, the post and the line should be the same width. Then the post will be exactly on the line, as required in Law 1. Yes, this does mean that the goal is on the field.

However, we seldom get professional grounds crews who are painting the lines on our local recreational fields. (Ha) So to compensate for uneven widths, we put the back of the post at the back of the line. This gives us a single line for determining that the ball is completely off the field (and if inside the goal, that a goal is scored). If the referee sees the ball either completely over the goal line, or completely past the goal frame, the ball is off the field.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

When the goal post and lines are not the same width (which never would happen in a professional match and almost always happens in youth matches) placing the back edge of the post on the back edge of the line helps the assistant referee determine when all of the ball has crossed all of the line. Since the lines are part of the field of play, the goal posts are always expected to be on the field of play.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If the back of the post isn't on the back of the line, how will the AR be able to tell if the whole ball has crossed the back of the line in the air?