Question Number: 18216

Mechanics 1/7/2008

RE: Grade 8

James Handsfield of Atlanta, GA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 9301

Not a question but an observation.

Once again we have the mistaken naming of the situation as offsides. Perhaps it might help if people understood why is is offside.

In England where the game was born, 'side' is a term for a team (i.e. Chelsea side). When a player is in the opponent's end of the field and closer to the goal line than both the ball and the second to last defender, he has effectively removed himself from his team as a legitimate player, hence 'off the side' or offside.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Yes. We frequently correct people who spell offside as 'offsides'. It is true that the former is correct and the latter is not.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Yes James, this is noted. In fact it is part of the entry level referee course of instruction. It is proof positive that no matter how much you try to explain some folks just don't seem to listen. If I had a nickel for each person in the USA using offside when they mean offside I probably couldn't fill up my station wagon. Never-the-less we still try to set those folks on the straight and narrow. We also seem to have difficulty in dispelling something called handball, getting folks to believe the keeper can collect the ball legally outside his penalty area and dribble it in then use his hands. Then there is little box/big box; six yard box; eighteen yard box; deliberate handball is a caution; does the ball touching the post make it OK for the kicker to have another go on a penalty kick. And on and on...

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yep. Terminology is something to be improved in the US.