Question Number: 35609

High School 7/2/2024

RE: Varsity High School

Boomer of Madison, WI USA asks...

The ball is headed into the goal, the last 2 players on the defending (one being the keeper) team and one attacking player are going after it. The defenders to stop it and the attacker to put it in. The keeper saves it while all 3 players momentum causes them to enter the goal. Then another attacker hits it towards goal but the attacker that is coming back to the field from inside the goal reaches back to hit it in. Is that player offside? Assuming the keeper and defender in the goal with him are the last 2 defenders.

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Boomer
Thanks for the question.

As the two last opponents are over the goal line in the goal both can be placed on the goal line for offside purposes.

If the attacker in the goal also yet plays the ball we can opine that the player is onside so the goal is good.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Boomer,
if any player accidently through momentum exits the FOP over the goal line, for offside purposes they are considered to be ON the goal line. It does not matter if one player was 2 inches, the second one 2 feet, or the third 2 yards past that 5 inch goal line, all 3 are treated as being the same!

It is ALSO important to note that if the attacker was a PIOP, albeit highly unlikely in you scenario as you describe all 3 players chasing and challenging thus if true the flag is already popped! Yet if this was a save, and if there was NO involvement prior, his reaching back COULD constitute offside as the restriction is NOT lifted even if the two defenders slid off farther then he.

Now if the two opponents are COMPLETLY off the FOP inside the goal, the attacker is also there, & upon returning into the FOP he is not restricted as he was onside, before he exited, that is a legal goal.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Hi Coach Boomer,

This is a very interesting situation - one I never encountered.

To be offside as indicated in NFHS Rule 11-1-b, the attacking player must be nearer to the goal than a least two defenders It appears this did not happen so the player would not be offside.

As to being penalized for leaving the field, the leaving was done under normal play, so there is no penalty as is indicated in NFHS 11.1.2 Situation A.

I hope your boys soccer team has a successful fall season and gets to the state finals in November.