Question Number: 35752

Law 11 - Offside 10/15/2024

RE: Competitive High School

Michael Billard of Fairfax, Va United States asks...

Our #9 was in an offside position, centrally located. The ball was played through to the left wing where our #11 ran from an onside position. The ref signaled the play was onside. Our #11 dribbled into the box and shot on goal. The keeper saved the shot, but deflected it to our #9 who scored. The ref then called the play offside, pointing back to midfield and explaining that the man was offside at the start of the play. We play our games on football fields and it was clear by the field markings that our #11 had dribbled ahead of our #9 before shooting. Shouldn't our #11 being in possession of the ball and ahead of our other player put him back onside? It seems to me that once our #11 is in possession of the ball, where the #9 was prior to that pass is irrelevant, and the only thing that should matter is where he is positioned at the time of the shot.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Michael,
you have it correct. UNLESS the PIOP does something to interfere with the opponents who perhaps went to challenge number 11 before that touch occurred? ? If the onside team mate #11 had carried the ball PAST the #9 PIOP thus the ball was closer to the opposing goal line than player #9 and #11 made a physical touch on that ball that resets any previous restriction. #9 is onside and free to play the rebound!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Millard
Thanks for the question.
Your interpretation is correct and it is disappointing when a referee makes an incorrect call. As described the playing action by #11 reset the original offside position of #9 so when #9 subsequently participated in play the player did so from an onside position. What happened previously was mute.

Now for some it does not sit well with them when a player appears to benefit from an offside position. Law 11 is clear in that it is not an offence to be in an offside position and it is only offside should the player interfere with play or an opponent from that original position.
In this case the original offside position was irrelevant as the ball was played by #11 who began a new phase of play. Offside should be judged on any subsequent play by #11 not the previous play.