Question Number: 30551

Law 11 - Offside 6/27/2016

RE: High School

Iai of Las Vegas, Nevada USA asks...

If a defender deflects a pass to an attacker in an offside position, is he offside?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
A deflection or a rebound off a defender does nor reset offside. So if a player is in an offside position and a pass from an attacking player deflects to a team mate in an offside position he is called offside for gaining an advantage by being in that position.
A deliberate play by the defender does reset offside.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Iai,
pass FROM WHO?
If the pass was one from the attacking opposition, where the defender interrupted as the key is the word deflection/rebound they do NOT reset offside they are the same as a deliberate save, whereby offside restrictions remain in place which the oppositions' last touch set in motion.
If the pass was redirected from another defending teammate to an attacking opponent be sure and thank them for the gift.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Iai,

The new NFHS rule that covers this situation is as follows: A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent who deliberately plays the ball (except from a deliberate save) is not considered to have gained an advantage. Thus, the factors that must be considered with the deflection are: Was the pass from an opponent or a teammate; did the defender deliberately play the ball; and did the defender try to make a deliberate save on a shot at the goal. There is much to decide in a very short time. I wish you success in your upcoming season.