Ball out of play
When it has wholly passed over the goal line or touchline, on the ground or in the air; or when play has been stopped by the referee.
The ball touches a match official
If the ball touches a match official and stays on the field, it remains in play, unless a promising attack starts, the ball goes directly into the goal, or the team in possession changes. In those three cases: dropped ball.
Rebounds off the posts
The ball remains in play if it rebounds off the goalposts, crossbar or corner flagposts and stays on the field.
The line principle
The line is part of the field. Any part of the ball over the line, or over its vertical projection, means it is still in play.
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