Question Number: 26693

Law 11 - Offside 8/27/2012

RE: Classic Under 19

Tim Riddle of Asheville, NC US asks...

Attacking player 'A' has succesfully maneuvered past the 2nd to last defender. His teammate, 'B,' is running past the same defender to aid 'A.' With the keeper in the goal and 40 yards of clear field, in what situations can 'A' pass to 'B' without an offide call?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Tim
Player 'B' can only get involved in active play by not being in an offside position.
As there is only one opponent between the player and the goal line ie the goalkeeper the only onside position position available to Player 'B' is to stay behind the ball. If B goes beyond the ball he is in an offside position and he may not participate in active play.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There are 3 requirements to be in an offside position:
1. ahead of the ball
2. ahead of the second to last opponent
3. in the attacking half of the field.

Many people forget about #1, even though historically (admittedly, more than a century ago) that was the sole criteria.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Once a player like A has passed the second to last defender with the ball, then the ball becomes the offside line. As such, if B remains behind the ball as the players advance on goal, B remains in an onside position.

If B gets ahead of the ball, B is in an offside position, but that in and of itself is not an offense. If B, while ahead of the ball and in an offside position, is passed the ball by A and B goes for the ball, B can be called for offside, or if B interferes in some way with the keeper or a late arriving defender, this could also be offside.