Question Number: 24518

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 1/23/2011

RE: Competive Adult

Devon B of San Diego, a USA asks...

When kicking a corner kick. If the ball curves in the air outside the field of play and curves back into the field of play without touching the ground. Is this okay and allowed. For example when a right footed kicker kicks with a curve from the right side. Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Devon
When all of the ball crosses over the goal line in the air as you describe the ball is out of play and it is a goal kick restart.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Law 9 tells us, 'The ball is out of play when: it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air'.

If some portion of the ball was still eclipsing the vertical plane that is defined by the outside edge of the goal line, then the ball was still in. If it totally crossed the line, then it was out.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

This would result in a goal kick for the opponents as the ball, crossing over the goal line in the air has gone out of play. Since last touched by the attacking team, a goal kick is awarded.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

In the air or on the ground is the same - if the ball leaves the field, it is out. Plain and simple.

In this case, since it went out over the goal line, last touched by an attacking player (corner kick), the restart must be a goal kick.