Question Number: 28200

Law 11 - Offside 2/22/2014

RE: Select Under 13

Margaret Casebeer of Pleasant Hill, Ca United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 27898

'Sticking a leg out and deflecting the ball does not reset offside.'

Can you clarify this statement. I'm wondering if keeper deliberately kicks ball away, if offside is reset. I'm thinking that it is....

Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

HI Margaret
Law 11's 'Gaining an advantage by being in that position' means that it is offside when the ball rebounds or is deflected to the player in an offside position off the goalpost, crossbar or an opponent having been in an offside position or that rebounds, is deflected or is played to her from a deliberate save by an opponent having been in an offside position.
Once the referee determines that the touch by the opponent is a rebound or a deflection then offside still applies. In the case of a goalkeeper /player making a save it is still not a reset even if the ball is played.
It will only reset when the play is deliberate and control has been exerted over the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

A player in offside position may participate in play after an opponent makes a 'deliberate play on the ball' (other than a save). But, she may not participate if the ball only deflects off an opponent.

The first question is whether the opponent's contact with the ball was a 'save' - - if the keeper (or defender) is blocking a shot on goal, then the player in offside position is still ineligible to play the ball. That's a save.

If no shot is involved, the referee needs to decide whether there was a deliberate play (not offside) or a deflection/rebound (offside). That usually will depend on the amount of time and space the defender had to play the ball. Doubts are resolved in favor of 'not offside.'