Question Number: 27852

Law 11 - Offside 10/4/2013

RE: Youth Under 17

Richard Abbott of Cardigan, Ceredigion Wales asks...

I reffed a game where one of the home player strikers was stood in an offside position inside the 18yard box.
The home team midfield player had the ball well outside the 18 yard box and had time to take a shot on goal.
He struck the ball as a defender came across his path and the ball was deflected to the home team striker who scored. Was the player offside?...

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes, still offside. A deflection or rebound does not nullify the offense. It's the definition of the 3rd way of becoming involved in play, gaining an advantage from being in an offside position.

Only if the defense controls the ball and makes a deliberate play is offside taken away.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Richard
As described this would be offside. A rebound or deflection from a shot / pass does not reset offside.
The term in Law 11 is 'gaining an advatage by being in that position'

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Richard. A deflection does not reset offside so if a player is in an offside position when the ball is touched or played by a teammate, and the ball is deflected off an opponent to that offside positioned player, he will be penalized for an offside offence if he touches the ball for gaining an advantage by being in an offside position.