 A goal is scored when the ball passes completely over the goal line but only if the ball was played (by a defensive or offensive player) in the penalty circle. Additionally, the circle marks the area a goalkeeper may play the ball with any part of his body and the area where an infringement by a defender results in a penalty corner. The terminology circle (or D) is widely used although the area is actually formed by a 3.66-metre (4 yd) straight line, parallel to the goal line, connected to two 14.63-metre (16 yd) quadrant arcs.
