 All line markings on the pitch form part of the area which they define . For example , a ball on the side line is still in the field of play ; a ball on the line of the penalty circle is in the penalty circle ; a foul committed over the 23 @-@ metre ( 25 @-@ yard ) line has occurred in the 23 @-@ metre area . A ball must completely cross a boundary line to be out of play , and a ball must wholly cross the goal line before a goal is scored . 
