Question Number: 29468

Law 11 - Offside 6/8/2015

RE: Amateur Adult

George of Parangarecutirimicuaro, CA Sacratomato asks...

If I am an AR, defender gains control of the ball and a PIOP immediately challenges, flag or no flag?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi George
Your call based on what is presented. The key factor to take into account is the time between the play and the challenge. If it is an unfettered play of the ball and for me that means no possible close challenge from an opponent then play should continue.
Generally these PIOP challenges tend to be straightforward with the challenge interfering with the opponent as part of play or the PIOP knows he will be called offside so he hangs back waiting for the opponents to play the ball. The tricky ones are those where the contact on the ball is not well identified and where there is a possible rebound / deflection present or where the opponent gets within playing distance of the ball close to when the ball is being played. At the highest level we have seen one touch plays go wrong and those are determined as sufficient to reset offside. At lower levels I believe we have to take account of the abilities, age etc when making an offside decision. An example is where the ball is zipped forward, rebounds off the defenders knee and the PIOP comes from behind to challenge on the play. Was the first touch a rebound or just poor control? It is up to the official to decide on the day. If the first touch was a play on the ball with no challenge then there is no offside and play continues.
Have a look at these video. None of these situations should be called offside
https://player.vimeo.com/video/106943897
The 2nd example shows unfettered control of the ball by Reds. No possible offside on the player that was originally in an offside position just poor play by Red.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi George,
the recent changes to offside scripture have clouded a few eyes as to exact meaning to the word ...challenge... Although I am very harsh in my judgement as to a deliberate play of a defender resetting offside criteria as long as the PIOP (player in offside position) or ORP (offside restricted player)makes no effort to interfere and is not within playing distance if pursuing the opponent, the offside restriction is lifted, they are now free to pursue the ball. Control is no longer the issue. My playing distance though for those at a sprint is much broader then side by side I must conclude there is no collision possible. The video link provided by my colleague Ref McHugh is a FABULOUS example of non offside situations. All those videos were ...INCORRECTLY... flagged for offside or were never offside, look at the proximity of the PIOP or ORP. Note how their presence does not challenge ANYTHING the defenders do! Good goals disallowed is always a bad day for officials
Cheers https://player.vimeo.com/video/106943897

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

See Question: 29474