Question Number: 28798

Law 11 - Offside 9/29/2014

RE: grassroots football line-o (AR) Under 12

david of trowbridge, wiltshire uk asks...

This question is a follow up to question 28791

Thank you for your last answer, this site is great!! Can I ask for a further clarification to my last post (question 28688) if the scenario had been slightly different. Striker A and B have beaten the offside trap and are approaching the goal. Striker A is quicker than Striker B but seeing the goalie racing out, Striker A passes the ball forward, past the goalie, for striker B (who is still behind Striker A at the point when the ball has been played) to run on to and score. Ok the ball has been played forward but Striker B was behind the ball as the ball was played. Offside or onside. On my understanding of my last post I am thinking this could still be on side? You know you've get these things correct even at grassroots because the parents give you grief even at this age.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi David
As described this would be onside. Striker B who was behind the ball when it was last touched by Striker A was in an onside position at that time. It makes no difference if he then touches the ball on an offside position. In fact that is the most common way to beat offside. Be onside when the ball is kicked and then run on to the ball.

Answer provided by Referee James Sowa

Smart man David! Still onside because attacker B was behind the ball when it was last played by an attacker.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi David,
You are spot on mate,
While no one can referee unless they have a thick enough skin to deflect a bit of flack. It is still desirable to yell, shut your pie hole, at the detrsactors but if you engage the, know it nots, it generally degenerates into unpleasant dialogue. However, I agree when they start dropping the, I know what I saw and that was not it, when in fact, they do not know what they saw. or what it, even is! Grief is not the emotion I consider, more like Irritation!
We appreciate you taking the time to study offside and get the skinny from those that have some information worth listening too.
Did you know that both teams can be offside at the same time? Can you think of how?
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 28818