Question Number: 14980

Law 11 - Offside 3/12/2007

RE: Rec/ follow FIFA rules Under 10

Jeannie of Park Ridge, NJ USA asks...

Can a player from the offense stand directly in front of the goal and go into the goal net if he does not have the ball?

Can players stand in front of the goalie when they don't have the ball, in an effort to block the goalie's view of the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

A player may stand directly in front of the goal, but if he's in an offside position he'd better not become involved in play. Players generally do not go into the area surrounded by the net, except if their momentum carries them there for a short period of time.

If the player stands in front of the goalkeeper to block his view, and is in an offside position, he has interfered with an opponent and the offside call would be made. If that is not an offside position (because of other defenders) he might be judged to be guilty of impeding the goalkeeper, particularly if he moves to stay in front as the keeper moves. Either offense is punished with an indirect free kick to the keeper's team.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Any player may stand anywhere on the field he or she likes. As Ref Voshol points out, doing so if in offside position can result in an infraction. A player that moves with the keeper in an attempt to block the keeper's view is likely going to be guilty of impeding the progress of an opponent if the ball is in play or unsporting behavior if the ball is out of play.