Question Number: 28606

Law 11 - Offside 7/15/2014

RE: Advanced Under 16

James Ballidis of Newport Beach, California United States asks...

Here is a twist to offside question that came up with a coach, Player attacker is clearly in an offside position, opponent's half of the field, closer to the goal than the second to last defender and ball is further up field in possession of the defense. Defense muffs the pass which rolls back to the offside attacker who then kicks and scores a goal. I think a goal, because it was not kicked by the attacking team. Am I correct?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi James,
Good goal 100% correct no offside if you watched the 2014 WC final did you not see the back header by the German midfielder Toni Kroos gifted to the Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain at about 20 minutes into the first half? A great example of an offside positioned opponent having Christmas early! Mind you the klutz pooched it and no doubt is still kicking himself!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi James
As described this is not offside as the ball has been played by an opponent. Offside only applies when the ball has been played by a team mate of the player in an offside position.
Now Offside Law 11 provides for the situations where the ball rebounds or deflects off a defender from a play by an attacker to a team mate in an offside position. Even though the ball has been last touched by a defender that does not reset the offside. Offside will be called when the player in an offside position touches the ball.