Rules Analysis
USAU 2020-21 Rules
This rule was changed from the previous rulebook version
This rule was added from the previous rulebook version
This rule has updates in the next rulebook version
12. Scoring
12. Scoring
Children
A
.
12.A

A goal is scored when an in-bounds player catches any legal pass in the end zone of attack, and retains possession of the disc throughout all ground contact related to the catch.

B
.
12.B

If after receiving a pass outside the end zone, a player comes to a stop contacting the end zone without a pivot on the central zone, that player must carry the disc back to, and put it into play at, the closest spot on the goal line.

C
.
12.C

If a player scores according to 12.A, but then unknowingly throws another pass, a goal is awarded to that player, regardless of the outcome of the pass. However, if it is unclear if the player scored according to 12.A (i.e., there is no agreement on the player who had best perspective, and there are opposing viewpoints on the play), the result of the pass stands.

D
.
12.D

If a player catches the disc and believes a goal has been scored the player may call "goal" and play stops.

Under 12.A, scoring a goal includes surviving all ground contact related to the catch. Thus, "goal" may not be called if the player did not maintain possession through all ground contact related to the catch, nor may "goal" be called prior to completion of all ground contact related to the catch.

.
12.D cont.

Best practice is to announce "goal" and raise both hands vertically above the head. After a contested or retracted goal call, play must restart with a check and the call is deemed to have been made when the pass was caught.

Accordingly, the stall count will resume at 1 (15.5, 15.5.a.5). When repositioning, all players should return to where they were when the pass was caught (17.C.6.a). In an observed game, in/out of the end zone and "goal" are active observer calls, and player calls are ignored. Therefore, in an observed game, a player's "goal" call does not stop play. If it is ever unclear whether "goal" was called, play continues and 12.C applies to subsequent throws (undisputed goals stand, turnovers stand on disputed goals). Unlike under WFDF rules, celebration or other actions following a suspected goal do not substitute for a "goal" call under this rule.

E
.
12.E

The act of scoring a goal is subject to rule 3.J.2.

12. Scoring
Associates
USAU 11th Edition Rules
11.A

A goal is scored when an in-bounds player catches any legal pass in the end zone of attack, and retains possession of the disc throughout all ground contact related to the catch.