According to Law 9 of FIFA's "Laws of the Game" rulebook, a ball is considered in play as long as it has not crossed the touch line or goal line. If the ball hits the goalpost and does not cross either line, it is considered a live ball. Only if either the line judge or the referee rules that the ball crossed the goal line or touch line is the ball ruled a dead ball. In rare instances, the curling nature of some corner kicks can take the ball dangerously close to passing the goal line. In these instances, the referee or either line judge can flag a dead ball for crossing the goal line. It is possible for a shot on goal to hit the bar of the goal, forcing it to drop down on the goal line. The entirety of the ball must pass the goal line for the shot to count as a goal. If the ball hits the goalpost and crosses the goal line or touch line, it cannot be played. As long as the ball is still in play when it hits the goalpost, it is a viable ball.
Step 1
Follow the ball in play from the sidelines. Unless functioning as a linesman or referee, all spectators must stay clear of the pitch and the neutral zone, where the players and coaches sit.
Step 2
Track the ball as it rebounds from the goal post or bar. If the ball crosses either the goal line or the touch line, it is considered out. The entire ball must cross either line.
Step 3
Bring the ball back into play. If the ball is out of play, it can be played in only by means of a throw in, in the case of crossing the touchline, or a goal kick if it crossed the goal line.
Tips and Warnings
- An addendum to FIFA's Law 9 clearly states: "If, when the ball is in play, it touches the referee or an assistant referee who is temporarily on the field of play, play continues because the referee and the assistant referees are part of the match."
- Unless you are a linesman, referee or player, you must not interfere with the pitch or the neutral zone on either side of the touch line.
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