goalline

Goalline, or goal line, refers to the boundary line at either end of a playing field that defines the area within which a goal must be scored. In most ball sports, the ball, puck, or similar object must wholly cross the goalline between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar for a goal to be awarded. The line is considered part of the playing surface, and a ball touching the line without fully crossing is typically still in play.

In association football (soccer), the goalline is a central element of goal decisions. The Laws of the Game require that the entire ball crosses the line between the posts and under the crossbar for a goal to be counted. Since the 2010s, many competitions have used goal-line technology (GLT) to determine precisely when the ball has fully crossed the line and to provide a signal to the referee if a goal should be awarded. GLT systems are based on cameras or sensors and aim to reduce erroneous calls.

In other sports, such as ice hockey and field hockey, a goal is awarded when the puck or ball completely crosses the corresponding goalline between the posts. As with football, officials may rely on standard on-field officiating, video review, or specialized GLT systems depending on the competition and sport.

The term goalline is also used as a brand name in the context of sports administration. Goalline refers to software that provides online registration, scheduling, and other management tools for amateur and youth sports organizations, separate from the playing-field concept.