Question Number: 30699

Law 11 - Offside 8/30/2016

RE: Youth to adult, comp and rec.

Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, BC Canada asks...

I suspect the Colorado high school front flip goal is making its rounds. Such an amazing play!

Our local news station reported that it had been called back for offside but I have problems with that. Of course, the newscasters could have had it totally wrong.

It looks to be a single-ref situation.

It's difficult to see if the player is offside, due to the quality of the video and the angles. There are defenders in the area.

If it is offside, my problem is that the ref allows play to continue when a dangerous collision is imminent. If offside, it should have been blown down when the striker was at the top of the arc. Granted, it's a quick pace.

Has the panel heard any more about the call? Your call?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdGPfd0ukI0

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
Most media is saying that the goal was disallowed due to offside. Looks tight to me although so be it. I agree that with offside in this type of situation the quick flag and whistle prevents a collision in what then would be an IDFK to the defence. Having said that it does happen fairly quickly so the possibility of getting play stopped before contact can be difficult .
Fair play to the attacker for his athleticism and staying on his feet. While no goal was recorded the player takes his place in the pantheon of great sporting acrobatics with 500k + of online views and rising.
Perhaps with the lack of celebrations and team mates coming forward is the giveaway that it was called offside.