Question Number: 26835

Law 11 - Offside 9/25/2012

RE: club Under 14

jason of twin falls, id usa asks...

offsides- player a shoots and player b is in an offside position. during the ball flight player b does not move while the defense moves putting player b back onside. player b gets the blocked shot by the goalie and scores. with player b not moving did the defense put him back onside? I get that it was the deflection rule of offsides, what I don't get is the defenses involvment in putting a player back onside.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jason
The scenario you describe is still offside. The only ways that a player can become onside again are
1. The ball goes out of play
2. A team mate in an onside position begins another phase of play
3. The defending team gain full control of the ball
It makes no difference that the player does not move or that defenders' movement placed him in an onside position after the shot was taken.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The defenses movement CANNOT put the offside positioned player onside. An attacking player in an offside position at the moment the ball is touched or played by a teammate remains offside until one of the following occurs;
1. the ball is touched or played again by a teammate. When this happens, all positions of the attackers are re=evaluated
2. The ball is CONTROLLED by the opponents. Now there can be no offside.
3. The ball goes out of play.