Question Number: 31775

Law 11 - Offside 9/10/2017

RE: Competitive Under 14

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

An example of an offsides that should not have been called?

#9 blue is clearly in offsides position when the ball is played forward. #23 is just as clearly not in offsides position. #9 lets up as #23 goes after the ball and meets the keeper at the ball. The AR throws the flag up.

I was watching the AR even while the camera was pointed at the play. He kept his flag down right up until the point where contact is made with the ball, so I figured he was waiting to see which blue player made a play on the ball.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fazjYcR7XY8

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Aaron
Yes incorrect decision as this was not offside. The player that gets involved in play with the goalkeeper is clearly onside and should not have been flagged.
Possible reasons for the flag.
1. The AR mixes up on the onside and offside players as he looks across.
2. The AR does not fully understand the current Law 11
Good learning point in there for ARs. Learning point for the players is that the PIOP needs to know that she was in a clear offside position. Situational awareness is vital for players and she has to see she is in an offside position from her view across the line. Had she checked her run somewhat, perhaps shown less interest in the ball then she helps the no call. In fact she should be running for the 2nd phase of play which may be away from the ball

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Aaron,
what is with the question mark? I know you KNOW this was not offside because you pay attention to the information you have received! lol Your assumption the AR was waiting to see which one is proof you grasp the fundamentals very well, as that is EXACTLY what he should have been thinking & of course KEPT the flag down. Either he was confused or does not fully understand offside involvement.
Cheers