What is the law 9 ball in play explained? A full guide
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 8 min read
What is the law 9 ball in play explained? The ball is in play as soon as it touches any part of a player or the ground, regardless of direction or speed. This rule applies across all levels of the Premier League, which runs 20 clubs and 380 matches each season.
The Premier League features 20 clubs, each playing 38 matches for a total of 380 matches per season. Three points are awarded for a win, and one for a draw, while the bottom three clubs are relegated to the Championship and three clubs are promoted, two automatically and one via play‑off.
Tiebreakers are applied in the following order: points, goal difference, goals scored, head‑to‑head record. If clubs remain level and the position determines the title, relegation, or European qualification, a play‑off at a neutral venue may be used.
The league was founded on 20 February 1992 as the FA Premier League, when First Division clubs broke away to negotiate their own broadcast deals. The first season was 1992/93 with 22 clubs, reduced to 20 in 1995/96.
Squad rules require a 25‑player list for players over 21, of which at least 8 must be homegrown. Under‑21 players do not count against the 25.
Substitutions are five per match, made in a maximum of three windows plus half‑time.
European qualification typically allocates the top four teams to the Champions League league phase. The fifth and the FA Cup winner enter the Europa League, while the League Cup winner enters the Conference League play‑off.
Fantasy Premier League scoring basics involve a 15‑player squad, 11 starters, a £100.0m budget, and a maximum of 3 players per club. Goals score 6 points for a goalkeeper or defender, 5 for a midfielder, and 4 for a forward. Assists award 3 points.
Clean sheets give 4 points for a goalkeeper or defender, 1 for a midfielder. Appearances earn 1 point if under 60 minutes or 2 if 60 minutes or more. Bonus points are awarded 3/2/1 to the top three BPS scorers in each match.
Yellow cards deduct 1 point, red cards 3, own goals 2, penalty misses 2. Goalkeepers receive +1 point per 3 saves, and 5 for a penalty save. Every two goals conceded cost a goalkeeper or defender 1 point. The captain scores double. A transfer beyond the free allowance costs -4.
How it works
Law 9 defines the moment the ball becomes in play. The moment a ball touches a player, whether by a deliberate touch or an accidental contact, the ball instantly enters play. The same principle applies when the ball lands on the ground.
The ball is considered in play after a kick, even if it stops on the ground. The same rule applies to a throw or a handball that lands on the pitch. If the ball bounces off the ground after a free kick, it remains in play.
A ball that is kicked into the air and then lands on the ground is in play once it touches the ground, regardless of how far it travels. A ball that lands on the ground and remains stationary is still in play.
If a ball touches the side netting, it remains in play unless it crosses the boundary. The same applies if the ball touches the referee or any other official; a touch by an official does not stop play.
A ball that touches another ball that is already in play continues to be in play. The touch by a second ball does not alter the status of the original ball.
During substitutions, the ball remains in play until the referee signals a stoppage. A ball that is in play during a corner kick remains in play until the corner touches the ground or a player.
After a goal, the ball is in play again when the referee signals the restart. The ball is in play after a penalty kick as soon as it is kicked and touches the ground or a player.
If a player falls and the ball is in play, the ball remains in play until it is touched by a player or the ground. The ball is not considered out of play simply because a player has fallen.
A goalkeeper’s touch on the ball during a goal kick keeps the ball in play. The ball remains in play until it goes out of bounds or the referee signals a stoppage.
Key details
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Clubs | 20 |
| Matches per club | 38 |
| Total matches | 380 |
| Points for win | 3 |
| Points for draw | 1 |
| Relegated clubs | bottom 3 |
| Promoted clubs | 3 (2 automatic, 1 play‑off) |
| Tiebreaker | Order |
|---|---|
| Points | 1 |
| Goal difference | 2 |
| Goals scored | 3 |
| Head‑to‑head | 4 |
| Play‑off | 5 |
| Squad | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total players | 25 |
| Homegrown players | at least 8 |
| Under‑21 players | not counted |
| Substitutions | Limit |
|---|---|
| Total per match | 5 |
| Windows | 3 + half‑time |
| European qualification | Allocation |
|---|---|
| Champions League | top 4 |
| Europa League | 5th & FA Cup winner |
| Conference League play‑off | League Cup winner |
| Fantasy points | 15‑player squad | | Budget | £100.0m | | Max players per club | 3 |
Common confusions
Many fans believe the ball is out of play when it stops on the ground after a kick, but Law 9 says it remains in play. Some think a ball that touches the side netting is automatically out, but it only stops play if it crosses the boundary line. It is a misconception that a ball becomes out of play if it is touched by a referee; the touch does not affect the ball’s status.
Another confusion is that a ball in play ends when a player leaves the pitch. The ball remains in play until the referee stops the game. A common myth is that the ball stops in play if a goal is scored, but the ball is in play again once the referee signals the restart.
A frequent misunderstanding is that the ball is out of play if it stops after a penalty kick. The ball is in play immediately after the kick touches the ground or a player. Some fans think the ball is out of play if it stops after a corner, but the ball is still in play until it touches the ground or a player.
Key takeaways
- Law 9: the ball is in play as soon as it touches a player or the ground, a rule that even Henry Kane’s last‑minute strike follows.
- The Premier League runs 20 clubs for 380 matches a season, awarding 3 points for a win and 1 for a draw.
- Substitutions are limited to five per match, with a maximum of three substitution windows plus half‑time.
- A squad must contain 25 players, at least 8 of whom are homegrown, while under‑21 players do not count against the limit.
- In European qualification, the top four teams enter the Champions League, while the fifth and the FA Cup winner enter the Europa League.
FAQ
Q: When does the ball become in play according to Law 9? A: The ball is in play as soon as it touches any part of a player or the ground, regardless of direction or speed.
Q: Does the ball stay in play if it is on the ground after a kick? A: Yes, as long as it touches the ground, it remains in play.
Q: Can a ball be in play even if it hasn't moved after a kick? A: Yes, the law does not require motion; contact with the ground or player is sufficient.
Q: Does a ball in play stop if it touches the side netting? A: The ball remains in play unless it goes out of bounds; touching the side netting is not a boundary.
Q: Does a ball in play stop if it touches a referee? A: The ball remains in play; a touch by an official does not stop play.
Q: What happens if a ball touches a ball that is already in play? A: The touch by a second ball does not alter the status of the original ball; it remains in play.
Q: How many substitutions are allowed per match in the Premier League? A: Five substitutions are allowed, made in a maximum of three windows plus half‑time.
Q: What is the maximum number of players from a single club in a Fantasy Premier League squad? A: A maximum of three players from a single club.
Q: How many points are awarded for a goal by a forward in Fantasy Premier League? A: Four points for a forward.
Q: What are the points awarded for a clean sheet by a defender? A: Four points for a defender.
Q: How many points are deducted for a yellow card in Fantasy Premier League? A: One point is deducted for a yellow card.
Q: How many points are awarded for a penalty save by a goalkeeper? A: Five points for a penalty save.
Q: How are bonus points awarded in Fantasy Premier League? A: Bonus points are awarded 3/2/1 to the top three BPS scorers in each match.
Q: What is the budget for a Fantasy Premier League squad? A: £100.0m.
Q: How many points do you earn if a player plays 60 minutes or more in Fantasy Premier League? A: Two points.
Q: How many points are awarded for an assist in Fantasy Premier League? A: Three points.
Q: How many points are awarded for a goal by a goalkeeper or defender in Fantasy Premier League? A: Six points.
Q: What happens if a player is transferred beyond the free allowance in Fantasy Premier League? A: The transfer costs -4 points.
Q: How many points are awarded for a penalty miss in Fantasy Premier League? A: Two points are deducted.
Q: How many points are awarded for an own goal in Fantasy Premier League? A: Two points are deducted.
Q: How many points are awarded for a clean sheet by a midfielder in Fantasy Premier League? A: One point.
Q: How many points are awarded for a goalkeeper’s appearance of 60 minutes or more in Fantasy Premier League? A: Two points.
Q: What is the required number of homegrown players in a Premier League squad? A: At least eight homegrown players.
Q: What is the total number of matches in a Premier League season? A: 380 matches.
Q: Which clubs are mentioned in the Premier League article? A: The article references clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool and player Henry Kane.