Question Number: 21361

Law 11 - Offside 5/17/2009

RE: Rec, select, Adult

Dan Glass of Vienna, Va USA asks...

I just finished another recert and am always interested in the answer to this question. It seems to differ greatly. The defense is holding the line just inside their half. A ball is pushed through at speed. The wing attacker is offside when the ball is passed through. He gives chase, I as the AR follow him almost to the goal line, outside the PA, where he touches the ball and I raise my flag. This is the procedure as explained by my instructor, yet many referees will call the Offside when the player shows 'intent' to play the ball. As a habit, I always ask my CTR how he/she prefers I make this call in the pre-game.

So which do you feel is the right procedure? He hasn't touched (played) the ball or interfered with another player. He could back off?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The newest guidelines from FIFA and position papers from USSF tell us your instructor was correct (they usually are). To interfere with play, we are now required to wait until the attacking player who was in an offside position when the ball was played actually touches the ball. Until he actually touches the ball, he is still only in an offside position, and we know that is not an offense. After all, an onside attacker could come through and make a play for the ball, too.

If, however, your player in an offside position happens to interfere with an opponent, by getting in the opponent's way, blocking his view of the ball or play, or otherwise distracting or disadvantaging the opponent, you may raise your flag at anytime - no need to wait for the touch.

And, of course, if the offside positioned player gets a rebound off of a defender or the goal post/crossbar, we will raise the flag for gaining an advantage from his position.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

That is fine but do not forget to indicate the restart location is BACK there where the position originated not where the involvement finally occurred!
cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

There is no 'preference' since March 25,2009 and it is VERY good to see that your instructor is keeping up with interpretations. Prior to March 25, the AR was free to raise the flag for interfering with play BEFORE the ball was actually touched if the offside player was making a credible play on the ball or it was obvious he would get to it. Now, in order to punish an offside player for interfering with play, he must make contact with the ball. Of course, if there is an opponent nearby there is always the possibility of interfering with an opponent and there has been no change in interpreting gaining an advantage

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