Question Number: 30684

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/24/2016

RE: Other

John Andrews of Cygnet, Tasmania Australia asks...

Is a player allowed to be outside the field of play when playing the ball on the line or must the player remain in the field of play?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
If you look at some recent questions you will note this topic has been asked recently. A player as part of a playing movement is allowed to leave the field of play. There is no requirement to remain on the FOP to play a ball.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi John,
Players are allowed to leave the field as part of play in order to play the ball. This could be stepping off the field to run around a defender standing on the line, or even running outside the field to challenge a player trying to hold the ball up in the corner.

It's unusual, but permitted.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi John,
although the LOTG expect players to remain on the FOP they make allowances for when a ball is tight to the touch or goal lines and the fact momentum does play a factor in stretching the field to accommodate a player on the wrong side of the lines temporarily. To avoid a collision or seek access to a ball say in tight to the corner flag. A player maybe within playing distance of the ball just outside into touch to say poke a ball off a shielding defender in tight to boundary lines.
REASONABILTY of access to the ball.
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 30689