Question Number: 27865

Law 11 - Offside 10/8/2013

RE: Competitve Under 14

Chuck of Edgewater, NNJ Bergen asks...

This question is a follow up to question 23189

In general, what exactly constitutes playing (possessing and controlling) the ball for a reset in offside? And where is the guidance provided? I see it outlined in the Advice to Referees, but 'controlling' is not defined.

In this case, if the defender purposely headed it backward to an area where the offside player got it first would that be considered playing the ball and reset offside in which case there is no offside offense for the attacker? What if the defender were trying to head it forward which I expect would be more typical, but the ball was too high and bounced backward anyway off the defender's head would that be considered control and reset offside?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Chuck
If we look at the definition of control we learn that it is ' to exercise authoritative or dominating influence over ' which in the case of soccer is the ball. Others define control as ''the ability to manipulate the ball and prepare it for a next touch''. The next touch can be the player himself or a team mate.
Now we know that if a player makes an error and plays the ball to an opponent there is no offside.
In the examples you cite the first one of the defender purposely heading (control) it backward to an area where the offside player is located is not offside while the second one is a deflection of the top off the head (no control) and offside is not reset.
Ultimately it is up to the referee to decide the difference between what is control or not. The majority of cases it will be clear but there can be an odd occasion when it is difficult to determine.
While FIFA suggests erring in favour of no offside I would say that many make the offside call based on historical interpretations.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

USSF has withdrawn the Advice To Referees and is working on a new document that may be released this year. Law 11 has seen a recent change in terminology, but there are three related notion.

1. A player in offside position may not play the ball after a deflection off an opponent or after a deliberate save. That has not changed.

A player in offside position may play the ball after an opponent makes a deliberate play on the ball (other than a deliberate save). The concept has not changed, although the words used are different.

Offside position is always reset after an opponent has full possession and control of the ball, and will be judged the next time a teammate touches the ball. That also has not changed.

The decisions between deflection and deliberate play can be difficult for the referee. Factors will include whether the defender had time and space to make a 'deliberate' play.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

From what you describe, a deliberate play on the ball with the head by the opponent, control has been exhibited and the attacker is free to play the ball. This is a decision the referee must make but most of us are comfortable in distinguishing between control and a deflection.