Question Number: 23846

Law 11 - Offside 8/28/2010

RE: Adult

Mark of N. Plainfield, NJ USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 23834

I guess I should have a bit more clear with my question. I understand the offside rule but I guess my question should have been, what are the proper mechanics in a situation like this? Here's a situation:

An offensive player is in an offside position coming back toward his own half, a long ball is played from deep in his own half toward midfield. The player comes from the offside position into his own half to play the ball. He is now offside. Should the AR go to midfield and raise his flag and give the center official direction on where the IDFK should be taken from?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mark
The AR should position himself opposite where the offence took place. So if the AR moves to a new position as play develops and then the offside offence is called by raising the flag then he should return to the position of the IDFK restart. Normally there would be little difference in both locations. In this case the AR would not go beyond the half way line and if the defenders' positions did not change then he would not have to move.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Since you don't know if the offside-positioned player will become involved in play, you as AR must maintain your normal duties while remembering that player. This may mean you move up or down the line as play moves.

When the player becomes involved in play, you signal for the offside. Raise the flag, and when the referee stops play you lower it to the near/mid/far angle of pointing. Then to indicate where the restart should be, move to the point on the line opposite where the offside player was when his teammate last touched the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The AR should go to the place on the touchline that indicates where the player was when the ball was played by his teammate