When is a player considered "off the field of play"?

A player is considered "off the field of play" when any part of their body is outside the boundary line. This definition is crucial for ensuring that the game is played within the established parameters of the field and helps officiate decisions regarding play, such as whether a ball is in or out of play and the positioning of players during set pieces like throw-ins or corners.

This rule underscores the importance of the boundary lines in determining a player's status; once any part of their body crosses these lines, they are deemed outside the field, impacting their eligibility to participate in active play until they re-enter correctly. Understanding this distinction helps players, officials, and spectators appreciate the exact moments when the ball is in or out of play and the implications this has on the match.