Question Number: 14972

Law 11 - Offside 3/10/2007

RE: State Cup Adult

Ref/Player99 of San Antonio, TX USA asks...

This is an offside question:

Defender A is standing up to Attacker A while Attacker B is in an offside position. Attacker A passes the ball to Attacker B but as the pass leaves the feet of Attacker B. Defender A sticks his foot out to try and stop the ball; the ball brushes the bottom of the cleat of Defender A. The ball continues on its path and goes to Attacker B who is still in an offside position.

Should Attacker B be flagged for being offisde?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Yes this has been so since 1974. If you are a referee this is common knowledge, or should be...

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A mere deflection of the ball by an opponent does NOT reset offside. Attacker B, if he plays the ball or otherwise interferes with play, is flagged for an offside offence.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

A deflection does not offset the offside. Only if the defender would have established control would the offside have been reset.

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

By saying the word "reset" when referring to offside we mean offside positions must be reevaluated at each touch of the ball by the attack...

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Yes,
note point 3 of Decision 2 law 11 OFFSIDE

The definitions of elements of involvement in active play are as follows:
Gaining an advantage by being in that position means playing a ball that rebounds to him off a post or the crossbar having been in an offside position or playing a ball that
((((rebounds to him off an opponent))))
having been in an offside position.
Cheers