On this page you will find the rules about The Ball in and out of Play. To find other rules of soccer the pull down list located at the top left corner of this page will allow for easy navigating to other soccer rules. If you wish to just download the PDF that contains all the rules, Click here. The rules of the game are subject to change so check with FIFA to ensure these rules are up to date.

Ball Out of Play
The ball is out of play when:
• it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the
ground or in the air
• play has been stopped by the referee

Ball In Play
The ball is in play at all other times, including when:
• it rebounds from a goalpost, crossbar or corner flagpost and
remains in the field of play
• it rebounds from either the referee or an assistant referee when
they are on the field of play

Goal Scored
A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal
line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no
infringement of the Laws of the Game has been committed previously
by the team scoring the goal.

Winning Team
The team scoring the greater number of goals during a match is the
winner. If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals
are scored, the match is drawn.

Competition Rules
When competition rules require there to be a winning team after a
match has been drawn, only the following procedures, which have
been approved by the International F.A. Board, are permitted
• Away goals rule
• Extra time
• Kicks from the penalty mark

Decisions of the International F.A. Board

Decision 1
Only procedures to determine the winner of a match, which are
approved by the International F.A. Board and contained in this publication,
are permitted in competition rules.