Question Number: 25700

Law 11 - Offside 11/2/2011

RE: Adult Men College

Frank Costello of Washington, DC United States asks...

I was a CR in a lower level men's adult game and during the game an attacking player takes a shot on goal from about the mid-field line and the ball reaches the keeper. Instead of picking the ball up the keeper opts to kick the ball to a teammate. In my opinion, it seems that the keeper mishit the ball and the ball went to an opponent who was in an offside position. The AR flagged the attacking player for offside. I tend to agree with the call since the attacking player gained an advantage from being in the offside position.

Also, in the same game, as well as in a college game, the 10 yard has mark was in the penalty area. Both fields were no near regulation width. In both games, defending players were closer than 10 yards when corner kicks were taking. My interpretation of the rule is that corner kicks are to be treated like throw-in so players are required to stand the appropriate distance -- 10 yards -- when a corner kick is taken.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Frank
As described in the situation this was not offside. Once the goalkeeper had the option to pick up the ball or to control it without any interference from the player in an offside position then offside was reset. The goalkeeper chose an option which he then misplayed and Law 11 does not allow for player mistakes.
The only way that it can be offside in this situation is if the player in an offside position interferes with an opponent. It cannot be 'gaining an advantage by being in an offside position' as it is not a rebound nor a deflection off an opponent.
On your corner kick question defending players must retreat 10 yards from the arc at a corner kick. It makes no difference if that 10 yard is inside the penalty area. So your interpretation is correct.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The offside laws are not intended to correct mistakes by the defending team. Assuming that the player in offside position did nothing to interfere with the goal keeper's ability to see or play the ball, the referee must decide if keeper had clear possession and control of the ball but made a poor decision (not offside) or if the keeper only deflected or mishit the ball (offside). Age and skill level can affect that judgment. (Note: the words you use to describe the situation suggest to me clear possession and control of the ball.)

The players must retreat ten yards from the corner arc (not the ball) on a corner kick. (The principle is the same for throw ins, but the distance is two yards/meters from the thrower.) Note: under NCAA rules, the 10 yard mark off the field is mandatory (under TLOG, the mark is optional). It should be noted during the prematch inspection and the home team should be asked to correct it before the match begins.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The keeper may have miskicked the ball but this is NOT a deflection. If it were a deflection or rebound 'gains an advantage' may apply but the keeper here had possession so no offside as the ball was last played by an opponent.

You are correct. All opposing players must be 10 yards from the corner arc at the taking of a corner kick.