Question Number: 27031

Law 11 - Offside 11/22/2012

RE: Rec Under 13

Peter of Stockton, Ca USA asks...

Hi

My kids, who are referees, and myself were talking the other night and came up with the following theoretical question. Attacker A puts a high ball through to attacker B. Attacker B is one sides, makes a run for the ball. The ball was a high ball which then allows attacker B time to actually over run the ball. When the ball bounces, attacker B turns to face the ball and traps it. He is therefore now between the ball and the opposing goal line with no defenders between him and the goal line. Is he now in an off side position and if so, if he Amy's the ball is it and off side offense?

When I looked up the rule, it makes reference to the fact that a player is only penalized for being in an off side position if at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team - so to me the question comes down to is he counted as being one of his team?

Cheers

Peter

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

'One of his team' means a teammate, not himself. Your situation is not offside.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Peter
Offside is only considered at the exact moment the ball is played by a team mate. The key in Law 11 is '' touches or is played by one of his team, HE IS,'' So offside is a team offence and a player is not offside if the ball is played to him by an opponent no matter where he is positioned and a player cannot be offside by playing the ball to himself. It has to be to him by 'one of his team'