What Is the Byline in Soccer? Soccer Byline

What Is the Byline in Soccer?

In soccer, the byline is a line on each end of the pitch that, together with the sidelines, forms the boundary lines dictating what are inbounds and what is out of bounds. It is also known as the endline or the goal line. The bylines extend from each end of both goals to the corner posts, forming the shorter sides of the field.

How Does the Byline Work?

Along with the sidelines, the bylines separate the field of play from the area that is out of bounds. If the ball completely passes over a sideline or endline, it is out of bounds, and possession changes to the other team. However, the byline has special out-of-bounds rules awarding a goal kick or a corner kick, depending on which team last touched the ball. Find those rules below!

Soccer Byline Rules

• The bylines, also known as the end lines, are the boundary lines that form the shorter sides of a soccer field.
• The bylines must be a minimum of 45 meters (50 yards) long and a maximum of 90 meters (100 yards) long.
• The goals are placed at the center of each byline.
• If the ball goes out of bounds over the goal line after being last touched by the defense, a corner kick is awarded to the offense.
• If the ball goes out of bounds over the goal line after being last touched by the offense, a goal kick is awarded to the defense.
• If a player on a team is nearer to their opponent’s byline than the ball and the second-last opponent, they are offside and will be given an offside penalty if they become involved in an active play while being offside.