Question Number: 23654

Law 11 - Offside 7/12/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Bob of St. Louis, MO USA asks...

I think I have this right, but would like to get confirmation. Would it be true to say that any touch by the offense, even a deflection, resets determination of offside? Two cases specifically:

1. Attacker A shoots with Attacker B in an offside position (not interfering). Ball blocked by goal keeper, deflects off Attacker C who was onside at time of A's kick. Rush of defense put 'B' onside before deflection off 'C'. B shoots and scores, no offside, goal stands, right?

2. Attacker A shoots with Attacker B onside. Ball blocked by keeper, deflects off Attacker C who was onside. When it deflected off of 'C', 'B' was now in offside position. B gets the ball and shoots, offside, I think.

Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bob
The touch by Attacker C is the touch that determines offside in these situation. So if attacker B is in an offside position at the touch by C then when B touches the ball or interferes with an opponent that is offside. However if B was in an onside position at the touch by C there is no offence.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Offside position is redetermined each and every time a teammate plays or touches the ball. If there is a player in an offside position, he is not allowed to become involved in play until offside is reevaluated at the next touch.

If I read correctly, your evaluation of both scenarios is correct.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes. Offside position is evaluated each time the ball touches a teammate. This is true even if the touch is purely accidental.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If B was in an offside position when the ball was last touched by C, he would be offside if he played the ball. But if when C touched the ball (the deflection) B was now further away from the goal line than the last two defenders and the ball, B can legally play the ball.

However, if when C touches the ball, B is in an offside position and he interferes with play or an opponent, he will be called for offside.