Question Number: 30381

Law 1- The Field 5/3/2016

RE: park and rec Under 13

Abigail of watertown, wisconson u.s.a asks...

if you hit the crossbar what will happen/

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Abigail
Nothing. It is part of play so if the ball rebounds back into play the game continues. If the ball hits the crossbar and goes out if play it is either a goal kick or a corner kick depending on who touched the ball last.

Answer provided by Referee James Sowa

Abigail,

Depending on the speed of the shot, it might make a loud 'thud'. Hopefully if you are the defending team it bounces away from the goal. If you are the attacking team, you may be hoping it bounces into the goal. Either way, the ball remains in play as the crossbar is on the line and a ball on the line is still in play.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If you as a player hit it with your body (especially your head) you might hurt yourself, so watch out!

Other than that, the goal is in play. It should be properly positioned directly over the end line. So if the ball hits it, it's not out of play yet. The ball has to completely cross the line to be out of play.

Your question is rather open-ended, so I'll add this note. If you hit the goal on a free kick, corner kick or penalty kick, you as kicker may not play the ball again. It has to touch another player before you can touch it again - and the goal is not a player.