Question Number: 31463

Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of a Match 4/19/2017

RE: College

Adhish of New York, New York USA asks...

If a player standing inside the goal line saves the goal before the ball crosses the line. Will the goal be considered?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Adhish
It is the position of the ball that counts not the position of the player. So all of the ball has to cross all of the goal line for a goal to be awarded. This video shows that the ball is the only consideration in a goal award
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m17ERc-kQhQ
Here is an example during a game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDgqeSMTWtY
The use of goal line technology showed that all of the ball crossed all of the line. Had the goalkeeper managed to prevent the ball crossing the line then no goal would have been awarded
It is interesting to note that the Blue players did not believe the technology with one getting booked for dissent. I believe that without the technology there was every chance that the goal would not have been awarded.
NCAA has the same rule as FIFA on this.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Adhish,

As is indicated in NCAA Rule 10.1, A goal is scored when the whole of the ball has passed over the goal line between the goal posts and under the cross bar. Thus, in your example, the ball has not crossed completely over the goal line so it is not a goal.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hello Adhish
the location of the player inside the goal is not considered. It is the location of the ball itself which determines if a goal is scored. The ENTIRETY of the ball must COMPLETELY cross the goal line under the crossbar and between the posts to be counted as a goal PROVIDED there was no infraction by the team scoring said goal.
Technology can determine the ball location to a millimeter so a paper width thickness of daylight might be all there was but good enough to be a goal. If a player saves the ball as long as it is done legally he can be either side of the goal line. It is the BALL that cannot!
Cheers