Question Number: 23873

Law 11 - Offside 9/3/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

RefSteve of Long Island, New York USA asks...

When a ball is played into the attacking half of the field toward an offside-positioned player, when is the proper time to whistle for offside ? I have usually waited until they get to within 3 or 4 steps of the ball, but I have sometimes been told to wait until the offside player actually touches the ball. That often results in injuries as the players collide. Most refs seem to blow the whistle the minute the ball is played forward, even if the offside player is 15 yards away. What is right ? Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

A few years ago IFAB brought out a clarification that to be considered interfering with play, the attacker had to actually touch the ball. Later it was stated that if the player was the only attacker who had a chance to get to the ball, offside could be called before the player got there. There's no sense having everyone run 40 yards only to have it called back for offside once the player gets to the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Moving toward the ball is not enough. The USSF advises that you wait until the player in offside position actually touches the ball, with two exceptions:

First, as soon as the player in offside position interferes with a defender's ability to see or play the ball, raise the flag. The attacker is offside for interfering with a defender. When a defender is contesting for the ball, the offense will occur well before the attacker reaches the ball.

Second, if you believe there may be a collision (the ultimate in interfering with a defender) raise the flag! Obviously, the chance of a collision is less in a high level adult match than in a rec under 11 match. But, better to call the offside than to call an ambulance.

Elsewhere in the world, the advice adds that the flag may go up when it is clear that no one from an onside position will be able to play the ball. The notion in the US (consistent with my experience) is that the best way to know that no one else can play the ball is to wait to see who plays it. More errors occur from a flag that is too quick than a flag that is a bit late.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ref Steve
The Law requires for the player in an offside position to touch the ball before it is offside. However the Law makes two concessions to that. One is where a player in an offside position may be penalised before playing or touching the ball, if, in the opinion of the referee, no other team-mate in an onside position has the opportunity to play the ball. That should be clear that there is no 'onside' team mate running towards the ball and that the only attacking player capable of playing the ball is in an offside position and he intends to play the ball.
The second one is where IFAB stated that if an opponent becomes involved in the play and if, in the opinion of the referee, there is potential for physical contact, the player in the offside position shall be penalised for interfering with an opponent.
What should not happen is that the flag goes up early to then see an 'onside' player run through on to the ball which then cues shouts of "How is that offside" which it probably is not unless the offside positioned player interfered with an opponent.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

What is right? If considering interfering with play, you wait until the ball is touched by the OSP player. However, if you feel a collision or any interference with an opponent is imminent then the flag is to go up for interfering with an opponent.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

What is right is following the Law. The referee team has the ability to take into consideration all of the elements at play and make a decision based on what is within the Law and needed.

The first line of Law 11 says a player cannot be punished simply for being in an offside position. But when referees raise their flags prematurely, that player gets punished when she shouldn't, which is breaking the Law.

If the referee or AR waits too long to decide involvement, then players can get hurt. This is where common sense comes in - if the player in an offside position is making a play for the ball or interfering with an opponent's ability to play for the ball or defend, then after checking quickly to make sure there is no onside player who is also involved and might be able to make a legal play, call it.

It's always a balance - too quick, too long or just right!