Question Number: 30862

Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of a Match 10/5/2016

RE: Under 16

Basem of Torrance, California Usa asks...

If a goalie is inside the goal and saves the ball when it is outside the goal, does it count?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Basem
Thanks for your question.
It is the position of the ball that counts not the position of the player playing the ball. If all of the ball is over all of the goal line then a goal is awarded. Even if a silver of the ball is on the line a goal cannot be awarded. It makes no difference if the goalkeeper had all of his body over the goal line and his hands are holding the ball on the line that is NOT a goal.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Basem,
The ball location is all that matters. If any sliver of the ball is still above the line, then it's still in play (of course, this all comes down to the opinion of the referee).

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Basem ,
ball location is the ONLY criteria for a goal. The ENTIRE ball must completely be over and cross the goal line under the crossbar between the posts. In the high level pro matches they have technology that discerns this. In the real world of actual recreational football we are left to eye ball the ball in the air or on the ground if it has truly met that criteria. VERY, VERY difficult to tell when it is just in or just out unless you are looking in directly along the goal line and with the ball moving as fast as it doe,s players scrambling to kick it out, there will be mistakes in not seeing a good goal but occasionally taking away a good goal, such is the human factor. One can only hope the officials are neutral and are trying their best to be fair.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Basem,
A goal is only scored if the whole of the ball is over the whole of the line. The position of the goalkeeper is immaterial.