Question Number: 29422

Law 11 - Offside 5/19/2015

RE: Rec Under 13

Brad of Plymouth, Michigan United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29415

Referees--thank you for the great feedback. Some clarification on the events on my prior question, which (I think) do confirm that we probably made the right call. For the offside situation discussed, the punted ball had substantial top-spin. Red defender was setting up to play the ball, anticipating a high bounce. When the spinning ball hit the ground (perhaps 5-8 feet in front of Red defender), the topspin shot it straight into the Red defender's lower body. So while her intent as was (seemingly) to set up for a header/chest, in fact the ball shot forward unpredictably and hit her in the hip. As I said to a parent post-game 'The ball played her, she didn't play the ball'. This was probably my biggest source of confusion--there was clearly intent on her part to make a play (prior to the ball hitting the ground), but ultimately what the play became looked like a deflection/reaction situation as opposed to a mishandling. Based on your responses, it seems we made the right call. But if instead she had headed the ball poorly, then it seems that we would NOT have offside. I certainly felt for that team's coaches...

I think my lesson in this as CR is to 'hold' on making the call on something so close, rather than deny a breakaway and realize my error. I can always revisit a few seconds later, but let the play unfold...

Thank you again, and thank you for the positive feedback--this was my son's idea, and we're both having a great time. I think it's also making me a better coach and him a better (and more patient) player.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Brad
It reads even more like the correct call was made. Your analogy of the ball played the red defender rather than the defender playing the ball covers what is a deflection. As you say had the player used her foot or her head then that is a deliberate play and a reset.
For what it is worth these offside calls are never black and white. The other important point is that if the Gray attacker was in an onside position the question does not arise. Depending on mistakes or misplays by defenders is not good tactics and I would not be perplexed about offside being called on a player in a clear offside position in doubtful reset circumstances.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Brad,
I agree with Ref McHugh. We are delighted that you and son are striving to be good officials.Post game reviews and seeking advice from other colleagues helped redefine the calls you may be unsure or concerned about. Sounds as if you both have a very good understanding of offside in its present form of interpretation. The hardest part about coaching and being a decent official is not to go off on another referee when coaching... KNOWING... or at least pretty darn sure... he is wrong! lol
Cheers