What is the ball-in-and-out-of-play rule in the Premier League?

The ball-in-and-out-of-play rule determines when the clock stops and when the referee can restart play. In the Premier League, the ball is out of play when it fully crosses a boundary line, when the referee blows for an infringement, or when a substitution is made. Substitutions are limited to five per match, with a maximum of three windows plus half-time, which directly shapes how teams manage stoppages and tactical changes.

How it works

Play begins with a kick-off from the centre circle, and the ball is in play until it leaves the field or the referee stops the match. When the ball goes out of play, the referee restarts with a goal kick, throw-in, corner kick, free kick, or penalty kick, depending on the situation. The ball is also out of play for substitutions, which can only happen during a stoppage. The Premier League uses a maximum of five substitutions per match, made in up to three windows during the 90 minutes, plus half-time. This rule was introduced to manage player fatigue and has become a key tactical tool.

Each substitution window is a period when the ball is out of play. The referee must allow the substitution to take place after the ball has gone out. This means that managers must plan their changes around stoppages, often waiting for a goal kick, a throw-in, or an injury break. The ball is also out of play when a goal is scored, and play restarts with a kick-off. The entire match consists of 90 minutes of regulation time, plus stoppage time added by the referee for time lost during substitutions, injuries, and other delays. The exact amount of stoppage time is at the referee's discretion, but the ball-in-and-out-of-play rule ensures that the game is fair and consistent.

Key details

• Substitution limits: Five substitutions per match, in three windows plus half-time. This is a key moment when the ball is out of play. The referee signals the substitution, the player leaves the field, and the new player enters after the ball is dead.
• Restart methods: Goal kicks, throw-ins, corner kicks, free kicks, and penalty kicks all restart play after the ball goes out. Each has specific rules about where the ball must be placed and how it is kicked.
• Goal scored: The ball is out of play as soon as it crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. Play restarts with a kick-off from the centre circle.
• Offside and fouls: The referee stops play for offside, fouls, and misconduct. The ball is out of play during these stoppages, and the restart is a free kick or penalty kick.
• Half-time and full-time: The ball is out of play at the end of each half. The referee blows the whistle, and the match stops until the second half kick-off.

These details are grounded in the Laws of the Game, but the Premier League implements them with specific adaptations. For example, the five-substitution rule is a permanent change since the 2022/23 season, and it affects how often the ball is out of play. The league also has a standard length of 90 minutes, with stoppage time added for time lost. The average number of stoppages per match is not given in the source data, but the substitution rule alone creates at least three windows where the ball is out of play.

Common confusions

Does the ball go out of play for a goal kick? Yes. A goal kick is awarded when the ball goes out of play over the goal line, last touched by the attacking team. The ball is out of play until the goalkeeper places it and kicks it from the six-yard box.

Can a substitution happen when the ball is in play? No. The referee must stop play for a substitution. The ball must be out of play. This is a common misconception among new fans who see a player running off the pitch while the ball is still moving. The referee will only allow the substitution after the ball is dead.

Is the ball out of play during a penalty kick? The ball is in play during a penalty kick until the kick is taken and the referee decides if it is a goal or not. The referee blows the whistle to signal the kick, but the ball is considered in play from the moment it is kicked until it stops or leaves the field. If the ball hits the post and stays in play, play continues.

How does the ball-in-and-out-of-play rule affect FPL? Fantasy Premier League points are awarded for actions that happen when the ball is in play. For example, a goal scored by a midfielder earns 5 points, and an assist earns 3 points. Clean sheets are awarded for a full 90 minutes without conceding, which requires the ball to be out of play for the match to end. The substitution rule does not directly affect FPL scoring, but it affects player minutes and rotation.

Key takeaways

• The ball is out of play for substitutions, goal kicks, throw-ins, corners, free kicks, penalties, and when a goal is scored.
• Substitutions are limited to five per match in three windows plus half-time, directly affecting match flow and tactical changes.
• The Premier League has 20 clubs playing 38 matches each, with 380 matches per season, each with multiple ball-out-of-play events.
• FPL scoring rewards actions that happen when the ball is in play, such as goals (6 for defenders, 5 for midfielders, 4 for forwards) and assists (3 points).
• Understanding when the ball is in play is crucial for managing substitutions, set pieces, and stoppage time.

FAQ

When is the ball considered out of play in the Premier League? The ball is out of play when it fully crosses the boundary line (goal line or touchline), when the referee stops play for a foul, injury, or substitution, or when a goal is scored. Play restarts with a kick-off, goal kick, throw-in, corner, free kick, or penalty kick.

How many substitutions are allowed per match? Five substitutions per match, made in a maximum of three windows plus half-time. This rule was permanently adopted by the Premier League after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does the ball-in-and-out-of-play rule affect Fantasy Premier League points? Yes, because FPL points are awarded for in-play events. Goals, assists, and clean sheets are only counted when the ball is in play during the match. Substitutions do not earn points, but they affect player minutes.

What is the referee's role in ball-in-and-out-of-play? The referee decides when the ball is out of play by blowing the whistle, and signals the restart. The referee also manages substitution windows and stoppage time.

For more details on Premier League clubs, visit Manchester City or Arsenal. For player-specific rules, see Erling Haaland.