Question Number: 25385

Law 11 - Offside 9/2/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I have an offside question about the definition of interfering with an opponent. I read the definition that says:

' 'interfering with an opponent' means preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by CLEARLY obstructing the opponent's line of vision or movements or making a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts an opponent'

Suppose Attacker 1 is in an offside position & Attacker 2 attempts a pass to him, but the ball deflects off a defender, & is now headed toward the touch line. It's clear to me that if Attacker 1 does nothing to interfere & the ball goes out, the attacking team will get a throw-in.

But suppose Attacker 1 runs after the ball & in doing so, slows down a defender who is chasing the ball. Again, it is clear to me that if this prevents the defender from getting the ball, then there is an offside infringement. BUT,

1) What if the referee is positive that the defender would never have been able to get the ball before it went over the touch line?

2) Or, what if the referee is unsure that the attacker actually slowed the defender? Is there still interference?

I guess what I'm asking is whether the referee must be positive that there is interference, positive that the interference affected the play, or both, before there's an offside infringement.

I am guessing that in question 1), the answer is that there's an offside infringement because the attacker interfered with a defender, even if it wouldn't make a difference in the play, and that the answer is 'No' in question 2) because the definition says the attacker must CLEARLY obstruct the opponent's movements.

Thanks again for all the great information!

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

1) No offside for becoming involved in play because the attacker cannot reach the ball. But it might be impeding the progress of an opponent if he puts himself between the opponent and the ball causing the the defender to not be able to get to the ball either. Or it could be offside for interfering with an opponent. Does it matter? Either way it's an IFK outbound.

2) No offense, because the referee has to be sure of any offense before making any call.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
1. It makes no difference if the defender cannot get to the ball. If an offence happens when the ball is in play it can be called either as offside or as impeding/holding. The astute referee will judge the scenario on its merits based on what is presented. A cynical block by a PIOP to prevent a defender moving towards even a hopeless chance of touching the ball will draw a foul whereas incidental contact may be seen as trifling and the restart is a throw in
2. If the referee is unsure that there is an offence then he must allow play to continue.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

1. Regardless of what A did or didn't do? No offside as he prevents nothing but probably impeding.
2. You know the answer to that question. We only call what we are SURE of.