Question Number: 25016

Law 11 - Offside 5/27/2011

RE: Competitive Under 13

James of Topeka, KS USA asks...

Here was the scenario for offsides. My keeper plays a thru ball via a punt. 3 of my attackers are onside via being on their 1/2 of the field when the ball is punted.

Now I have 3 players behind all the defensive players except for the keeper. One of my 3 attackers is dribbling and has a teammate to his right and left. Can he pass to one of them or are they offside?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Remember that there is more to offside position than just the 2nd to last defender. If the teammates are behind the ball, they are not in an offside position. If they are ahead of both the ball and the 2nd to last defender, then they are in an offside position.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi James
Offside is always a consideration in the opponents' half of the field of play. Just because all the defenders are not in their own half does not exclude the attacking players from offside consideration.
To be in an onside position in the scenario you describe all the attackers must remain behind the ball. The other option of being in an onside position by positioning themselves relative to the 2nd last defender and the goal line is not available due to no defenders being present.
In the scenario you describe if the ball is passed to one of the attackers who is ahead of the ball at the moment of the pass that will be called offside when he touches the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

That depends coach. Are either/both of them even with or behind the ball? If so, they may legally play any ball passed them as long as they stay even with or behind the ball until the ball is played.

Offside position consists of more than just being nearer the opposing goal line than the next to last opponent. One also has to be in the attacking half, which they are, AND the player must be nearer the opposing goal line than the BALL. The ball is now the offside line and every time an attacking player touches or plays the ball, that line is reset