Question Number: 29321

Law 11 - Offside 4/15/2015

RE: Under 13

Alan oliver of wigton, Cumbria England asks...

Can a defender stand behind the goal line when defending a free kick. Our team has been putting a defender behind the line as an extra protection for the keeper. As soon as the kick is taken he gets back on the pitch in case he is needed. Is he playing the opposition on side by standing behind the line or as he isn't on the pitch when the kick is taken would someone standing closer to the keeper be offside. ( hope this makes sense!!)
Thanks Alan Oliver

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Alan
From an offside perspective the player is considered to be on the goal line so there is no benefit there whatsoever. He must be factored into the offside calculation.
Now in these instances player must not leave the field of play deliberately or for any length of time. The player can move around a player off the field of play as part of a playing movement or to get to a position but must not remain off. I make a point of asking any players off the field of play to move on to the field of play before any restart. For example I would not allow a player to stand inside the goalkeeper in the net area off the field of play.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Alan,

Behind the goal line, even inside the goal, would be off the field of play. He must remain on the goal line, so the referee should be aware of this and advise him to step forward.

As Ref McHugh states, it won't impact offside because he's considered to be 'on the goal line' for this purpose.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Alan,
If the player wanted to stand inside the netted area, although I doubt the value of the tactic, I might think it strange. I would request him to put on a toe on the goal line to be actually on the field at a restart but he could drop-off once play got underway. It could create some difficulty if while playing the ball in the netted area to determine if the ball has completely crossed the goal line! For offside proposes he would be considered to be on the goal line as one if not the last opponent.
Cheers