Endline Play

[LaxRef]

A1 takes a shot, which hits the crossbar, deflects up, and lands behind the goal, rolling toward the endline. B1 and A2 chase the ball,with A2 closer to the endline, but you and A2 both realize that the ball is going to stay in bounds. While the ball is still slowly rolling toward the endline, A2 tries to scoop the ball and he knocks it out of bounds. Ruling?

[eme]

an excellent question since you state that clearly the ball was NOT going out of bounds if left alone....

[blindbill]

Goin the other way at the spot where it goes out of bounds.

[laxfan25]

If in my opinion A2's scooping motion added the impetus that caused the ball to go out of bounds, I would award it to B1. If the shot's momentum was the source of the energy that caused the field exit, even if A2 touches the ball, I'll award to the player closest to where it went out, when it went out.

[LaxRef]

Here are the relevant A.R.s:

A.R. 31. A shot misses goal, and the ball comes to rest on the ground behind goal. A2 tries to scoop the ball, but it goes out of bounds. RULING: Ball awarded to Team B.

A.R. 35. Deflected shot at goal, the ball rolling toward boundary line. A1, in trying to pick up the ball, does not gain possession; and the ball goes out of bounds. A1 is nearest to the out-of-bounds spot. RULING: Ball awarded to Team A.

A.R. 36. A1 shoots at goal, and the ball goes over goal toward end line. A2 tries to catch the ball in flight, and the ball hits his crosse and goes out of bounds. A2 is nearest to the out-of-bounds spot. RULING: Ball awarded to Team A.

A.R. 35 is the closest, but there it sounds like he touched the ball trying to scoop it but didn't cause the ball to go OOB.

A.R. 31 makes it clear if the ball comes to rest, the ball goes to the other team. In spirit, this situation is closest to A.R. 31, I think, and that's what I ruled on the field. I talked the call over with my partners after the game; they said they'd been confused by the ruling when it happened, but agreed that if the ball was staying in and he knocked it out then it was the right call.

I don't think the rules are crystal clear here, but I'm comfortable with the call I made.