Question Number: 27485

Law 11 - Offside 5/26/2013

RE: Rec & select High School

Dennis of Plymouth , Indiana Marshall asks...

Question was sent to me; if goalie comes out of the box, thus becoming a field player, and is playing between the 18 and mid field, is it ok to have your offense player up by this new field player who is still the last defender and not be offsides. I've never a question like this so wanted some guidance before giving a reply.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dennis
NFHS Rule 11 states and I quote
'' A player is in an offside position when nearer to his/her opponents' goal line than the ball, unless:
a. the player is in his/her own half of the field of play; or
b. the player is not nearer to the opponent's goal line than at least two opponents.''
Law 11 in the FIFA Laws of the Game has the exact same criteria. Note there is no mention of goalkeeper just two opponents. The goalkeeper is generally one of those opponents but when he move positions beyond team mates the AR has to look for the 2nd last opponent. So the attacker if he is closer to the goal line than the 2nd last opponent then he is in an offside position.
If the attacker moves up to the goalkeeper only with no 2nd last opponent present then he is in an offside position, no matter where the goalkeeper is positioned. If there are no opponents in the half then to stay onside at attacker has to remain in his own half or stay behind or level with the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

There is nothing magical about the keeper when considering offside. a player is in an offside position if:
1. He is in the attacking half of the field
2. He is nearer the opposing goal line then the next to last opponent
3. He is nearer the opposing goal line than the ball.