Question Number: 15717

Law 11 - Offside 6/6/2007

RE: Rec and Select High School

Matt Rybar of Fenton, Michigan Genesse asks...

In watching a high school soccer game the following situation happened. The attacker was coming down the field. She entered the Penalty Area and there were 3 players on the defensive end. Two of the three defenders (all but the goalie) took one step back into the net to put the attacker into and offside position. The attacker was passed the ball when she was in an "offside position". The AR then raised the flag for an offside call. The referee called offside on the attacking team and awarded the defensive team and IFK. The question though is that should the two players that stepped into the net be penalized for opposing an obvious goal scoring opportunity or even leaving the field without the referee's permission. Any thoughts?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Matt this is a simple thing to define, two players left the field without permission to place an opponent in an offside position. This is unsporting behaviour or in US high school, unsporting conduct. In both cases the answer is play continues as of the two were standing on the goal line. In this case, because there are two on the goal line, impossible to have an offside offence. The referee lacked the knowledge necessary to allow the goal and restart with a kick-off. Note it is within the Law/rules to caution BOTH players for their misconduct, at the next stoppage, but the penalty for cheating, a goal against, usually puts an end to further episodes. If they argue caution both of then and show the yellow card. If the coach gripes deal with his teaching players how to cheat, it does bring the Game into disrepute...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Defenders who leave the field of play to act in the manner you describe are quilty of USB and can be cautioned . They can through momentume find themselves there and that is ok, no need to caution However, in both cases they are to be considered as ON the field on the goal line for the purposes of offside assuming the AR and or referee realize the situation.
The whistle should not have been blown! Play should have continued and the defender's cautioned at the next stoppage. As it WAS blown, play must stop and we must restart but not with an indfk out! A dropball if the referee was unaware the defenders were off in behind the goal and not sure they had done so deliberately. If he saw what they did he could blow for a stoppage and award an INDFK at the spot of the ball but advantage is likely considered and a shot likely could have been taken.
Cheers