Question Number: 28515

Law 11 - Offside 6/17/2014

RE: rec Under 19

daniel of vienna, va usa asks...

When a defending player or say goalie tries to clear the ball, it is deflected off an attacker redirected to an offsides attacker who scores, is this not offsides?

A senior referee that I worked with informed me that this was not offsides as it was not 'played' by the deflecting attacker. But I beg to differ as Law 11 states that 'A player in an offsides position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball TOUCHES or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by interfering with play, an opponent or gaining an advantage'

That seems pretty clear to me, but I would just like confirmation for what should be a pretty fair occurrence in soccer.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Daniel,

That senior referee's comment is evidence of why we should all, no matter how experienced we are, take the time to review the laws every so often.

You're absolutely correct - the laws say 'touches or is played'. Therefore, a completely unintentional, unavoidable touch can still put a player offside. The laws are very clear on this.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Daniel
Your senior colleague is incorrect. The touch does not even have to be deliberate for offside to be called. As Referee Wright states a completely unintentional, unavoidable touch can still and does put a player offside.
Now it does not work the other way in that a deflection / rebound off a defender does not reset offside.