Question Number: 29990

Law 11 - Offside 12/10/2015

RE: Competitive Under 16

Aaron Speca of Virginia Beach, Virginia United States asks...

My question has to do with the priority when there are multiple violations by both teams. In this scenario, Blue Player A plays the ball in the direction of Blue Player B, who is in an offside position when the ball is played. Blue Player B runs back into what would be an onside position but is still an ORP, when she is clearly fouled by Red Player just before the ball arrives.

What is the correct call in this situation - IFK to red for an offside violation, or DFK to blue for the foul?

Does it make any difference if the foul rises to the level of a cardable offense due to recklessness or excessive force?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Aaron
Once the player in an offside position interferes with an opponent which involves a challenge then offside is called as that is the first offence.
Now offside does not exonerate the defender from challenging in a reckless manner on the PIOP and that can still be cautioned for unsporting behaviour or a dismissal if excessive force us used. The offside IDFK restart does not change.
The best approach for the referee or AR to adopt is that if at all possible on a likely challenge in an offside situation to call the offside before that happens. Certainly on a through ball involving the goalkeeper that should be called before the possibility of contact can happen.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Arron good to see you back
It will depend on how the circumstances evolve.
If the PIOP is actually challenging or interfering then offside is a lock the addition contact physical interaction is misconduct from that point. So INDFK out but likely a caution yellow card or red card send off for the defender.
If the PIOP was say standing at the left corner post and the keeper came over and kicked him while play was over on the right the PIOP was not guilty of challenging the keeper was guilty of a DFK foul of VC red card and as such is sent off with a PK for the attackers.
In situations where a fast moving PIOP and quick defender look likely to collide coming in hard from opposing directions, early flag is ok here!
Cheers