SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-goal-whole-ball
When does a goal count?
When the whole ball crosses the goal line between the posts and under the bar.
- When any part of the ball crosses the line
- When the whole ball crosses the line ✔
- When the ball touches the net
Why: A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar. No offence may have been committed by the scoring team.
Huh, didn't know that: Some top competitions use goal line technology to tell the referee if the whole ball crossed.
Why did the goal line take up a hobby? It needed something to cross off its list.
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References
Answer: When the whole ball crosses the line. A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar. No offence may have been committed by the scoring team.
- IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 10 Determining the Outcome of a Match www.theifab.com/laws/latest/determining-the-outcome-of-a-match
A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar
Checked 2026-10-12.
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