Question Number: 32199

Law 11 - Offside 1/28/2018

RE: Competitive Under 16

Paul Wuerslin of Charlotte, NC USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 32122

Player A1 is in an Offside Position when Player A2 attempts to play to ball through Opposition Player B1's legs. Player B1 attempts to block the ball, but only partially deflects the ball and the ball still makes its way to Player A1 who was in the Offside Position. The AR signaled the Offside, and I let it stand because in my mind it was merely a deflection by Player B1. Of course, Player A2 contents that Player B1 played the ball so that Player A1 should not be Offside. Do you agree with the call?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Paul,
I agree with your call because you are the referee who observed the incident and based a decision on what you saw, arrived at by what you currently know of the LOTG. What players think is NOT part of the equation. A deflection or rebound is NOT a reset. Even though a defender will react to the proximity of a nearby ball it does not mean they had sufficient time, space, or awareness to make a purposeful deliberate play based on use of skillful motor functions it could be classified as an instinctive reaction if the contact results in a deflection or rebound.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Paul,
The way you describe it, your call was correct. According to the wording of Law 11, a player in an offside position when the ball is last touched by a team mate can be guilty of an offside offence by:

''gaining an advantage by playing the ball or interfering with an opponent when it has:
[...] been deflected off [...] an opponent''

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Paul
The decision rests on whether the contact by B1 was a deflection or a deliberate play. From the description I would say that it was a deflection and therefore not a reset which makes it offside. Attackers will always look for the most beneficial outcome by suggesting a deliberate play.