Question Number: 23930

Law 11 - Offside 9/14/2010

RE: Competitive, USSF Under 19

James Shields of Beaverton, Oregon USA asks...

When an attacker is making a run into the opponents penalty area, preparing to receive a pass, with only one defender and the keeper to beat, can the defender step out of bounds to put the attacker offside? Thank you, James

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi James
No, the player cannot do that and in fact it is a caution for the player when play stops. Law 11 states and I quote
'' Any defending player leaving the field of play for any reason without the referee's permission shall be considered to be on his own goal line or touch line for the purposes of offside until the next stoppage in play. If the player leaves the field of play deliberately, he must be cautioned when the ball is next out of play.''

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The tactic has long been considered misconduct (unsporting behavior), and no longer works. For purpose of offside position, the defender will be treated as being at the spot where the defender left the field of play.