Question Number: 25423

Law 11 - Offside 9/13/2011

RE: Adult

danny of Genova, Italy asks...

Law 11
I know that offside is if attacker is in offside position and ball rebounds to him from the crossbar or goalkeeper.

But what if attacker is in offside position and ball first rebounds from crossbar, then from goalkeeper back and after all that path come to the attacker?

I suppose that it is also offside but just want to be sure. Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Nothing you describe resets offside. A teammate never touched the the ball and the opponents never controlled it so still offside

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Danny
Offside consideration is only reset when the ball goes out of play, it is played by a player in an onside position or the opponents gain control of the ball. A series of deflections and rebounds off a combination of defenders and frame of the goal does not reset offside.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Danny,

You're absolutely correct - several deflections (keep in mind that this also includes deflections off defenders who aren't the keeper) will still result in an offside infringement.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I once saw a ball pinball around off 2 or 3 defenders (all without any control of the ball) before the offside-positioned player ran into the middle of the herd and got the ball. Flag up for offside.

This happened at midfield. If it had been in the penalty area and the goalpost had also been involved, it would still be offside.

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