Laws of the GameLaw 11- Offside

Adapted by the Regina Soccer Association for Coach / Player Education

The Myths of Offside

True or False…

• You can be in an offside position and not be called “offside”

TRUE: You can be in an offside position (ie. nearer to the goal line than the second last opponent or the ball) and not be guilty of an offside offense. In order to be called for being offside you must either interfere in play, interfere with an opponent or gain an advantage from being there.

True or False…

• You can “check-back” if you started in an offside position and then go for the ball

FALSE: Whether or not you are offside is matter of where you are positioned when the ball is kicked. You can not “check-back” or allow an opponent to pass you and then challenge on the ball. You are still considered to be offside.

True or False…

• You cannot be guilty of an offside offense on your own half…

FALSE: If when the ball is played, the you are in an offside position (on the opposing half) and come onside (to your own half) to play the ball or challenge on the ball, you are still considered offside.

True or False…

• You cannot be guilty of an offside offense on a goal kick

TRUE: You cannot be guilty of an offside offense on a goal kick, corner kick or a throw-in.

True or False…

• You are not offside as long as your feet are in line with the second last opponent

FALSE: Any part of your body that can be used to play the ball, including your head, needs to be in-line with the second last opponent. *Leaning forward can make you offside*

True or False…

• You can only be offside if the ball is played to you by a member of your own team

TRUE: If the ball is intentionally played by an opponent, you are not offside.

Elements of the Law

What Changed in 2014?• Keeper/Player Interference clarified

• line of vision• Challenging on the ball

• No longer offside if a defender “plays it badly”

• Intentional act to play the ball• Proximity of opponents

Questions

To see videos visit the FIFA Website at: http://garcia-aranda.com/offsideifab/eng001.html