Question Number: 32707

Law 11 - Offside 9/13/2018

RE: Intermediate Under 14

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 32700

Thank you for your thorough explanation of offside. It brings up a question though.

Suppose D2's slide tackle took him out over the touch line on an angle, rather than the goal line. For purposes of offside, I know he's considered, but is he considered to be on the touch line at the point he exited the FOP or perpendicular to the touch line where he ended up?
Thank you,

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
That is correct. The player is placed on the touchline directly opposite from where he is positioned over the line.
On the field of play this may look to the AR particularly when the player is on the opposite side of the FOP that he may be still lying on the FOP. On the ARs side it can be more difficult particularly on a tight field for the AR to remain level with that player if he is over the touchline on the ARs patrol path.
It is pretty rare though as in most cases it is the result of a challenge by the defender so any offside consideration may have happened before that. If the defender stays off the field of play say injured and he is the second last opponent that is the offside line until the ball is cleared away upfield as per the amended Law 11

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Phil.
perpendicular he is looked at from where he winds up as if he was still on the FOP just pull him straight back to the touchline. The difference is you can not go farther THAN the goal line while you have 50 to 60 yards of touchline in your half of the FOP.
Cheers