Question Number: 31596

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 6/11/2017

RE: Select Under 17

Chrism of Brisbane, QLD Australia asks...

If the goalie handles the ball in the box and puts one of his feet outside the field of play (over back line beside the goal) is the ball in or out? The ball remains in the box.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
It is the position of the ball that counts not the position of the player. Do as you describe the ball remains in play and it is play on.
In addition all of the ball must be over all of the line to be out of play.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Chrism,
If any part of the ball is inside the PA or even just above the line that borders the PA, then the entire ball is considered to be inside the PA. Even if the keeper handles the part of the ball that's outside the PA, doesn't matter. The position of the keeper's feet/body is irrelevant.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Chrism,
As my colleagues have said, it doesn't matter where the keeper's feet are. The only thing to consider is where the ball is. Unless the whole of the ball is completely over the line, the ball is still in play.