Goal (sport)

In Association football, a goal is both the result of a score and the physical structure that defines when a score has occurred. A goal is scored after the game ball passes completely out of the field of play over the goal line and between the goal posts and under the crossbar. Although the goal frame usually has a net attached to it the net is simply to contain the ball when a goal is scored so that the referee can be certain the goal is legitimate. The exact definition of a goal is covered by law 10 of the Laws of football. A goalie is the player who is set into position to try to block shots into the goal.

The goal rule is similar in Hockey see goal (hockey).

In American Football, a field goal is achieved when a kicker kicks the ball into the air and it goes between the lines of two posts that are set specially at the end of the playing field for each game. If the ball goes over the set of posts but is still inside the area covered by the posts, it still counts as a field goal. Field goals in American football count for three points.

In Rugby football, a drop goal refers to the same concept.

In addition, some refer to baskets made at a basketball game as field goal.