Question Number: 29219

Law 11 - Offside 3/2/2015

RE: Intermediate Under 13

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 28818

I must have missed seeeing this, but am curious as to the answer to the question that Referee Dawson posed. I don't see any follow-up questions to this one.

It would seem to me that Blue #12, who was previously tying his shoe, would be called for offside infringement & the restart would be an IDFK for the red team, at the point where Blue #12 is about to get the ball. Blue #12 would be gaining an advantage by being in a place where the ball deflected off a blue player. Red hasn't committed an offside offense because he/she hasn't interfered with play or a defender (since Blue #12 is ineligible to play the ball).

Now if both OPs reached the ball exactly at the midfield, I suppose each would be in a position of advantage. I'd still give the IDFK to red by deciding that Blue #9 made a deliberate pass. (At least I'd have a decision that couldn't be challenged):-)

Of course, in an AYSO game (or maybe any game), both coaches would run onto the field to yell at their players & I could award a drop ball for outside interference. lol

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Phil,
Our black hole theories provide some exasperating brain cramps at times but a decision for identical infractions ask yourself, WHO was offside first? If there is a possible collision between these two offside opponents as they get nearer to play the ball the whistle will blow at some point. If either player GETS to the ball ahead of the other than that player is participating thus involved in play or gained an advantage thus guilty! Although if it is an INDFK for offside marching the ball back to either ones original location is going to look funny.
I have to wonder if they each were interfering with an onside opponent who also were trying to get to the ball at the same time, what the restart might be?? SEE if we look we can always find trouble LOL A drop ball is one out for a simultaneous foul by the opponents just wondering about the restart location HMMM? Ball location most likely LOL
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
If the referee decides that whatever of the two players met the offside criteria first then offside is called against that player. If the involvement of both is simultaneous and both players could be called offside then the Law allows for a dropped ball restart.