LAW 10 - THE METHOD OF SCORING
LAW 10 HOME PAGE

MORE INFORMATION

Outside Interference -

If a spectator or other outside agent enters the field and tries to prevent a score, a goal shall be allowed only if the spectator or outside agent never touches the ball

If contact occurs, the referee shall stop the game and restart with a drop ball at the place where the contact or other interference took place (keeping in mind the special circumstances outlined in Law 8)

A goal may not be allowed based on where the ball might have gone in the absence of such contact or interference.

Remember!

  1. If the ball does not cross the goal line for any reason, a goal cannot be awarded
  2. Defenders cannot score directly into their own goal from any free kick
  3. Goal cannot be awarded if the ball is handled illegally
  4. Most goals win!

Mechanics - Below are the proper mechanics for each member of the referee team.

Referee

  • Makes eye contact with the AR
  • Maintains eye contact long enough to see a signal for a goal in cases where the ball is being played close to the goal and may have briefly but fully entered the goal
  • Points up field (signaling a goal) and backpedals toward the center circle only when satisfied that play has stopped
  • Prevents unnecessarily prolonged celebration
  • Intervenes quickly in situations in which players or bench personnel attempt to confront AR
  • Records goal when in position for kick-off
  • Makes eye contact with both ARs before signaling for the kick-off to occur

Click on this picture for video about goal mechanics

Graphic used with permission of Referee Magazine.  DO NOT COPY

Lead Assistant Referee

  • If the ball briefly but fully enters the goal and is continuing to be played, raises the flag vertically to get the Referee's attention and then, after the Referee stops play, puts the flag straight down and follows the remaining procedures for a goal
  • If the ball clearly enters the goal without returning to the field, establishes eye contact with the Referee and follows the remaining procedures for a goal
  • Runs a short distance up the touch line toward the halfway line to affirm that a goal has been scored
  • Keeps moving to avoid confrontation if approached
  • Observes the resulting player behavior and the actions in and around the penalty area
  • Takes up the position for a kick-off
  • Keeps players under observation at all times
  • Records the goal after the trail AR has recorded it

Trail Assistant Referee

  • Records the goal while the Referee and lead AR are returning to their positions for the restart
  • Observes players while the Referee and lead AR make notes
  • Keeps moving to avoid confrontation if approached

Disallowing an Apparent Goal - Below are the proper mechanics for the referee team in the event that a ball enters the goal under the crossbar and between the goal posts but cannot be allowed for some reason

Referee

  • Makes eye contact with the lead AR
  • Confers with AR if further information is believed to be needed (maintain focus on the field while doing so)
  • Signal the correct restart
  • Goes to the appropriate referee position for this restart
  • Intervenes quickly to prevent attempts by players or others to confront an AR

Lead Assistant Referee

  • Stands in place
  • Signals the Referee according to the situation:
    • If the scorer was offside, raise the flag to signal offside
    • If a player other than the scorer was in an offside position and, in the opinion of the AR, was actively involved in play, stand at attention with the flag held straight down at the side
    • If there was a foul by an attacker, stand at attention with flag held straight down at the side
    • Assume the proper position for the restart indicated by the Referee
  • Is prepared to signal Referee in accordance with pregame discussion if further information needs to be given to assist in making the correct decision

TOP OF PAGE