Question Number: 27019

Law 11 - Offside 11/18/2012

RE: Rec Under 13

Peter of Stockton, Ca USA asks...

Hi

First of all, many thanks for all of your answers.

Here is my question that my kids brought to me.

Attacker A runs the ball into the penalty area, the last defender is way out of play. About three yards behind attacker A is attacker B. then goalkeeper runs out to challenge attacker A. Attacker A then back heels the ball to player B who immediately puts the ball in the goal.

At the time of the shot attacker A is off side, and could be blocking the view of the keeper. Is attacker A guilty of an off side offense?

Does the referee have the latitude to decide whether the keeper could have stopped the shot from attacker B had attacker A been able to suddenly become invisible?

Cheers

Peter

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Peter
The referee has to decide whether Attacker A because of his offside position interfered with an opponent in this case the goalkeeper. If Attacker A is so close to the goalkeeper that he has clearly obstructed the gaolkeeper's line of vision to the ball then offside should be called.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The referee must decide whether the presence of attacker A made any difference in the outcome. Did attacker A actually hinder the keeper's ability to see or play the ball? The factors will include how close the attacker was to the keeper and the angle and location of the shot. Note: doubts are resolved in favor of 'not offside.'

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Did Attacker A hinder the keeper's ability to play the ball? If yes, then give the offside