Question Number: 29057

Law 11 - Offside 12/17/2014

RE: Intermediate Under 13

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29054

I have a follow-up to the video at http://garcia-aranda.com/offsideifab/eng002.html that MRREF supplied. I understand that the change in the offside law got rid of the confusing 'distracts or deceives' wording, but it also got rid of the wording that said if the offside person interferes with the 'movement' of an opponent, they're actively involved.

Doesn't this seem strange? Because if an offside attacker interferes with the movement of a keeper, without blocking their vision & without challenging for the ball, it would seem that an offside infringement should apply. I suppose you could whistle for 'impeding', which results in the same IFK, but that might be stretching it.

e.g. An offside player is close to the GK near the far post. As an attacker makes their way toward the near post, both start running toward the near post & the offside player's movement slows down (interferes with) the GK. But the offside player never challenges for the ball & never blocks the GK's vision. Assuming the GK just misses the ball when it's kicked for a goal by an onside player, wouldn't you still feel there was an offside infringement?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
Once the player in an offside position interferes with an opponent by challenging for the ball then offside will be called. If the player in an offside position impedes the opponent while not challenging then it is either impeding or holding depending on contact or not.
Either way an offence has been committed and the restart is a free kick.
Generally when the PIOP interferes with an opponent there is a challenge for the ball anyway.
In the scenario you outlined a holding / impeding foul by the PIOP on the goalkeeper should be called. An AR probably would have the flag up for offside anyway when he sees the PIOP interfering with an opponent so the offence/s are dealt with

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Phil,
we provided a link, FIFA supplied it, try not to complicate offside by over thinking. The law is not changed only redefined by other words to facilitate a better understanding of what already NEEDED to be called. Interfering with play. Interfering with an opponent. Key word interfering ! Now as much as those play at word police if a RESTRICTED OFFSIDE PLAYER is interfering with an opponent by preventing them from access to the ball by impeding their progress offside criteria is met! You say the offside player's movement slows down the keeper without TOUCHING Him or being in front of him how exactly could this occur?

Restricted offside personnel are by their very nature not allowed to participate in active play. While it is defined by words as an OPINION on a fact of play a referee KNOWS when interfering occurs as a blocking in front of or an avoidance of a possible collision causing a change of direction or a prelude to a challenge and if actual holding, as in reach over and grab the jersey or place a arm across chest it is a DFK offence with cautionable overtones which is of greater offence. The description of blocking the line of sight means the offside player is somehow between the opponent and the ball in some fashion, for impeding this must occur! If he is only following off to the side but not forcing the keeper to alter his line of sight or if following behind until the ball is within playing distance, then he would be challenging! An opponent is not actually blinded when impeded only prevented from arriving at his destination without compromise.
Cheers