NCAA Soccer Rules Practice Test

A goal can only be counted if the ball is properly in play. For a goal to be valid, the ball must be in the field of play at the time it crosses the goal line. Various situations can cause the ball to be out of play, such as when it goes out of bounds or when the game is stopped for a foul. In such cases, any ball that crosses the goal line while it is out of play does not count as a goal, regardless of whether it appears to have crossed completely or not. This rule ensures consistency and fairness in the game, emphasizing the importance of the ball being in play for any score to be valid.

Scenarios where the referee's discretion might come into play regarding fouls or game interruptions do not change the fundamental rule that the ball must be in play for a goal to count.