Question Number: 14519

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 11/28/2006

RE: Adult

Steve Cerretani of Howell, NJ Monmouth asks...

I know that the entire ball has to be over the line for it to be out of play, BUT does the rule mean that the entire ball must break the outside plane of the 5 inch boundary line?
I know I'm being very technical but if this is the rule, then the bottom of the ball could be over the line, but the side of the ball could still be within the plane of the line.
I realize this would be too close to call in a game; I'm just trying to win a bet.
Thanks, Steve

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

All of the ball (even part not touching ground), must be over all of the line.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Steve ,
imagine the boundrylines as a 5 inch wide invisible wall extending up into the sky. A ball that is in the air intersects that 5 inch wall is considered in play. For the ball to leave the field into touch the entire ball, including the rounded outside edge must be free and clear of that wall. You are incorrect that a ball is too close to make a decision as that is in fact what a referee or AR must do.
It is a judgement call and remains as a fact of play an opinion whether a ball is in or out when the ball and line are in close proximity which is why the AR or referee tries to be in good position to judge the goal line on corner kicks for swerving balls and touchlines for the throw ins and the penalty area for when the ball is available to be handled by the keeper. So in the air or on the ground, makes no difference, if contact between the ball and boundryline is there, it is in play.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You are correct. All of the ball must be over ALL of the line to be out of play or to score a goal. ( which would also put the ball out of play). For that matter, all of the ball must be over all of ANY boundary line to leave that boundary