Law 10 - Method of Scoring
Law 10 - Method of Scoring
Except as otherwise provided by these Laws, a goal is scored when
the whole of the ball has passed over the goal-line, between the
goal-posts and under the cross-bar, provided it has not been
thrown, carried or intentionally propelled by hand or arm, by a
player of the attacking side, except in the case of a goalkeeper,
who is within his own penalty-area.
The team scoring the greater number of goals during a game shall
be the winner; if no goals or an equal number of goals are
scored, the game shall be termed a "draw".
Decisions of the International F.A. Board
- Law 10 defines the only method according to which a match is
won or drawn; no variation whatsoever can be authorized.
- A goal cannot in any case be allowed if the ball has been
prevented by some outside agent from passing over the goal-line.
If this happens in the normal course of play, other than at the
taking of a PK: the game must be stopped and drop ball.
- If, when the ball is going into the goal, a spectator enters
the field before it passes wholly over the goal-line and tries to
prevent a score, a goal shall be allowed if the ball goes into
the goal unless the spectator has made contact with the ball or
has interfered with play, in which case the referee shall stop
the game and restart it by drop ball.