Question Number: 25327

Law 11 - Offside 8/19/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Timmy W of highgate , Ont Canada asks...

During a game my team mate took throw in. I headed it passed the defence from the thrower. I was not passed the defence at this point in time. The ball then hit the post off of my head, and bounced out to my feet because i followed the ball in. Was I offside?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

No. Because you received the ball directly from a throw-in, you are eligible to play the ball regardless of your position at the time of the throw. Moreover, until one cannot be judged in an offside position until a teammate touches the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You received the ball directly from a throw-in, so offside didn't apply regardless of your position. Next you played the ball again without it having been played by a teammate, so offside didn't come into effect then either.

Offside position is judged each and every time a teammate plays the ball, except when that touch is a throw-in, goal kick or corner kick.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Timmy
A player cannot be offside directly from a throw in so no offside here. When the ball rebounded to yourself that also cannot be offside as you were the last player to touch the ball.