| Law 9 of the Laws of the Game covers when the | | | | play). |
| ball is in play and out of play. First, the law states when | | | | Although Law 9 is brief concerning when the ball is in |
| the ball is out of play. This happens if:a) The whole of | | | | play, reference to when the ball is in play is evident in |
| the ball crosses the touch line or goal line, whether on | | | | several other laws. These laws include: |
| the ground or in the airb) The referee stops play | | | | *The start and restart of play - from the kick off the |
| In determining whether the whole of the ball is out of | | | | ball is in play when it is kicked forward |
| play, the assistant referee (or referee in some cases), | | | | * The method of scoring - the ball is out of play when |
| must ascertain that the entire ball is past the outer | | | | a goal is scored |
| boundary of the goal line or touch line. Even if the | | | | * Fouls and Misconduct - serious foul play can only |
| majority of the ball is past the line and only one | | | | occur when the ball is in play (and when challenging for |
| centimetre of the ball is in line with the relevant | | | | the ball). Violent conduct or other misconduct can |
| boundary line, the ball is still in play. | | | | occur when the ball is out of ball (as well as in play). |
| The referee could stop play for any number of | | | | * Free kicks - ball is in play when it is kicked and |
| reasons, whether it be outside interference, a foul or | | | | moves |
| misconduct occurring or for any other reason. The | | | | * Penalty kick - ball is in play when the ball is kicked |
| referee usually signals this by blowing his whistle to | | | | and moves forward |
| stop the game. Even if the ball is on the field at the | | | | * Throw in - ball in play when it crosses the touch line |
| point, the ball is not considered in play. Only when the | | | | onto the field of play (in the air or on the ground) |
| game is restarted in the appropriate manner would the | | | | * Corner kick - ball in play when it is kicked and moves |
| ball be considered in play. | | | | * Goal kick - ball is in play when it passes out of the |
| Law 9 also goes on to specify when the ball is in play. | | | | penalty area |
| The ball is in play at all other times when it is not out of | | | | Whether the ball is in or out of play is of fundamental |
| play, including when it rebounds off the goalposts, | | | | importance, especially as it affects the other Laws of |
| crossbar, corner flag or the referee or assistant | | | | the Game. |
| referee (when the assistant referee is on the field of | | | | |