Question Number: 23865

Law 11 - Offside 9/2/2010

Joe of SCS, Michigan USA asks...

Can you clarify this call. Forward A is in a offside position,forward B passes the ball to him , but it is deflected by a defenseman to him. He takes the shot and scores. His he offside ? I was watching a game from Italy, the same scenario, the goal stood. The announcer said since the ball was deflected, he was not offside. Are there any other scenarios where he his not offside, on a deflected ball ?

Thanks
Joe

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Announcers are often wrong.

A player in offside position may NOT play a ball which deflects off an opponent. It would be deemed gaining an advantage from an offside position.

At the highest levels, however, it can be difficult for the referee to judge whether the defender deflected the ball or possessed or controlled the ball (which would reset offside position and make the attacker eligible to play the ball). A well timed slide tackle by the defender at the highest levels will establish control.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Joe
As described this is offside as a deflection / rebound does not reset offside. So when Forward A touches the ball he is offside as he is gaining an advantage by being an offside position.
To quote Law 11
'"gaining an advantage by being in that position" means playing a ball that rebounds to him off a goalpost or the crossbar having been in an offside position or playing a ball that rebounds to him off an opponent having been in an offside position''

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

See what happens when you believe announcers? :-)

A deflection off a defender does not ever reset the offside position for an opponent. If the opponent was in an offside position when the ball was played by his teammate, then he will or should be called for offside when the ball is deflected to him.

The other game you mention must have had a different circumstance and the announcer just misunderstood (imagine!) the reason for the no call.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A deflection does not nullify offside. The ball must be controlled by the opponent. Announcers rarely know any of the nuances of the Laws. They are doing well to get the big things correct