Question Number: 25390

Law 1- The Field 9/3/2011

RE: Select Under 19

Josef Lindl of Mission, BC Canada asks...

Playing a game on a turf field which is both used as a (certified) soccer pitch and an American football field, at different times. As a result, the nets are in essence soccer nets, with the three-sided football frame built on top. During the game, the ball was kicked at the net, skimmed the top of the (soccer) crossbar, bounced onto the base of the football post, and back onto the field. I called a goal-kick, as I reasoned that, were there no football frame, the ball would have gone out.
My question is: is the football frame, since it is a part of the net structure, considered a part of the game, in the same way that a ball would bounce off a corner flag, and still be in play, if it hasn't crossed the line? Would it be a goal kick, or should play continue?
Thanks,
Josef L

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

In the US, it is official policy that the gridiron uprights count as ball-out-of-play when the ball hits them. It differs from the ball bouncing off a corner flag. The reasoning is that they 'shouldn't be there' and wouldn't be there for any professional game.

This differs slightly from other pre-existing appurtenances (such as overhanging tree limbs and wires). With those, absent any local ground rules, if the ball hits them it's keep playing.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I believe this is true os Canada as well but you should check with local authorities or we can get out Canadian panel member Gene Nagy to chime in

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Josef, in general problems can be avoided by talking to both teams prior to kickoff about unusual circumstances to do with the field of play. This could be a tree branch hanging over the field, rugby or football extensions on goal posts markings on the field or other things. By simply mentioning to both teams before kick off that if a ball hits the appurtenances it will be considered out of bounds, as you did in your game, arguments are avoided.
Your decision was correct but the situation should have been anticipated. This is why you showed up 30 minutes before kick off, inspected the field and (should have) talked to both teams.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Josef
In the absence of a local rule stating that the ball is deemed to be out of play with the appropriate restart the referee IMO should deal with this as a pre-existing condition. There are two options available to the referee if the ball has not left the field of play and it strikes the condition. One is to accept it as rub of the green and simply to allow play to continue. The second is to stop play and restart with a dropped ball at the place the ball was when play was stopped.
I prefer option 2 as it is the fairest and anything can happen in option 1 with perhaps a team gaining a huge advantage through the ball falling kindly. Either way if the referee informs both teams as to what will happen should it hit the pre existing condition then there should be no grounds for complaint.
In your case I believe the decision you made was the 'best' decision for the game.