Question Number: 28495

Law 11 - Offside 6/13/2014

Zluva of C.Budejovice, Czech Republic Czech Republic asks...

Hello, my question is about a player who passes ball and this pass goes toward a player in an offside position. What is a decisive moment for the assessment? It is a touch with a ball when this player kicks? Because it must be very difficult recognize this moment. This touch can be very quick or longer. And what about goalkeeper, who throws the ball into offside? This is longer touch with ball than the attacker kicks into a ball. So, when do you raise the flag? Thank you!

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Offside position is evaluated each and every time a teammate plays/touches the ball. Yes, that can be difficult, to watch the moving relationship between the defender and attacker to see if someone is offside, and to also watch when the ball was last played.

If the goalkeeper throws or kicks it to a player who is in an offside position, offside would be called. Remember though that offside does not apply in a player's own half of the field.

Offside does not apply when the ball is received directly from goal kicks, corner kicks and throw-ins.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Zluva,

Offside position is always considered at the last touch by a player of the attacking team. So, in the case where a keeper may throw the ball to a teammate in attack, it's the position of that attacker at the moment the keeper releases the ball that we're considering.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Zluva
The determining moment in offside is when the ball is played / touched by the team mate. At that instant the AR has to consider if the player receiving the ball or challenging an opponent is in an offside position. It is a difficult task at times due to the speed and intensity of play.
Have a look at this little test and have a go. It shows the principle of the Law:
http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_football.cfm?page=3156