Question

If a ball goes out of the backline last touched by the defending team, what will be the decision of the umpire?

Answer 1

If played unintentionally by a defender or deflected by a goalkeeper, play is re-started with the ball on the 23 metres line and in line with where it crossed the backline and the procedures for taking a free hit apply with the ball being placed on the line, the re-start is effectively within the 23 metres area and the provisions for taking a free hit are applicable.

1. If played intentionally by a defender, unless deflected by a goalkeeper, play is re-started with a penalty comer.
2. If played by an attacker, play is re-started with the ball up to 15 metres from and in line with where it crossed the back-line and the procedures for taking a free hit applies.