Question Number: 32162

Other 1/13/2018

RE: Rec Under 19

George of London, United Kingdom asks...

If a player passes back to the keeper and the keeper proceeds to scoop he ball into his own net, does the own goal count as the keepers or as the passers if the pass is going on target?

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi George,
The Laws of the Game do not contain anything related to who gets credit for scoring a goal so this is not something a referee usually gets to decide. While I understand that some competitions ask the referee to note who scored a goal, this is not normally required and I personally have never come across this requirement. I think it is more usual for the competition authorities have a methodology (sometimes a panel or committee) for assigning credit for goals.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi George
It is not part of the Laws to determine scorers, assists etc. Typically it is part of fantasy football or betting rules or scoring records/competitions such as a Golden Boot award. Under those competitions there are rules that set out what is counted. If a ball is going wide and it is misdirected into the goal it is counted as an own goal against the player that misdirected the ball. To assist in deciding such goals there is a Dubious Goals Panel which reviews these goals by video and makes a decision on the scorer.
This is what the panel states * As a rule, if the initial attempt is goalbound it is credited to the player making the goal attempt. However if the deflection means that a wayward effort results in a goal then it is attributed to the player who had the last definitive touch of the ball. *
So if the ball was destined for the goal from the defenders kick and the GK tried to stop it entering the goal but failed then IMO the defender is the scorer. If the ball was going wide and the GK mamaged to scoop it into the goal the GK would be 'credited' with the goal.
At parks level it is left to the referee or the clubs to decide on such goals. I personally give the goal to the kicker, rarely against the GK who is trying to save it. Also very little is at stake on a blatant own goal at parks level.