Question Number: 29601

Law 11 - Offside 8/12/2015

RE: Masters Adult

Romeo of Toronto, ON Canada asks...

Recently read new offside rules put out by IFAB. Had a very interesting one. It is similar to the video here, but with a few differences, hence the question.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid2522850455001?bckey=AQ'',AAACSBmEp-k',k6M0BLQIXJ_fOxXUjJd4CUhd7yHzmz9-&bctid=4383288717001

In my situation, the attacker was standing offside (not running toward goal). He was about 5 yards out with keeper on goal line (both pretty much centre of goal). This is Masters now, so slow down the pace a bit. Ball is played to him across goal (from the area of the near post about 8 yards out) -- not toward goal. He moves to play it (it comes right at him), does not touch it (going right through him) and it rolls past him about 15 yards toward the corner flag. Ball continues and is about 3 yards from goal line and 9 yards wide of goal when a player originally onside puts the ball in.

IMO only impact on opponents was fact that all stopped, raised hands, and shouted at referee. The keeper's only expectation was that I would stop play.

Some of the main difference is that attacker was already there the whole time. The other difference is that ball was played across goal and not toward goal.

What are your thoughts based on the new guidelines? Should this situation have been considered as having an 'impact on opponent' -- specifically the goal keeper?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Romeo
The video link looks like it is no longer available.
The interpretation now states that a player in an offside position shall also be penalised if he:
#clearly attempts to play a ball which is close to him when this action impacts on an opponent or
# makes an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball
# 'clearly attempts' – this wording is designed to prevent a player who runs towards the ball from quite a long distance being penalised (unless he gets close to the ball).
# 'close' is important so that a player is not penalised when the ball goes clearly over his head or clearly in front of him.
# 'impact' applies to an opponent's ability (or potential) to play the ball and will include situations where an opponent's movement to play the ball is delayed, hindered or prevented by the offside player.
From your description the player in an offside position does not attempt to play the ball nor does he impact on an opponent.
Unfortunately many in the game are still back many many years ago when this would have been an offence. Since 2005 it is certainly not offside and it is still not offside.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Romeo,
The link provided, I could not access it ? You only say he (offside player moved towards the ball to PLAY it and misses it or dummies it through knowing he can not play it?) The keeper, did he come out to play the ball but was blocked by the attacker? Then possibly offside, but based on your description, I would say no offside, goal is good! I urge you to remember the thoughts and actions of defenders is NOT part of the offside consideration only what the PIOP actually does that directly affects play! Cheers

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

See Question: 29626