Question Number: 26938

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 10/25/2012

RE: Select Under 15

Dennis Pax of Piqua, Ohio USA asks...

I was at a game tonight where there was a corner kick which resulted in a goal, but the goal was nullified because the kick traveled past the end line and then came back in while still in the air. I've unable to find an explanation on this with regards to the rules. I would appreciate your confirmation / explanation and the actual rule number.

Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Dennis,

Sometimes at a corner kick the ball does indeed travel outside the field of play then swerve back in.

The part of the laws which explain this scenario isn't under the corner kick, but is Law 9 - The Ball in and Out of Play:

'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'

Hope this helps.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dennis
Law 9 of the Laws of the Game state that '' 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''
In this scenario the ball fully crossed the goal line in the air from the corner kick and then returned into the field of play. The ball is out of play and the restart is a goal kick.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Unlike a throw-in, the ball is in play on a corner kick as soon as it is kicked and moves. (Law 17). Any movement of the ball is sufficient.

Once in play, if the ball then fully crosses over the goal line (or the touchlines), it is out of play. No goal can be scored. (USSF Advice To Referees, 17.4) The restart will be a goal kick because the ball crossed goal line, last touched by a member of the attacking team (Law 16).