Question Number: 15219

Law 11 - Offside 4/19/2007

RE: REC Adult

Tom of Farmingville, NY USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15206

A follow up to question 15206 regarding offside.

Consider the following scenario.

Attacker and 2 defenders racing towards defenders goal. attacker is in offside position when a team mate behind them kicks the ball towards the goal but WELL ahead of the offside attacker. The offside attacker has no chance to play the ball. Is offside still called? I have been releuctant to make this call because the offside player has no chance for the ball (it is usually kicked to and played by the keeper)but some coaches scream for the call. I assume they prefer the spotting of the IDFK over the keepers release.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

In the case you relate there is NO offside offence so why would you ever consider intervening. If the coach wants to scream and yell for you to stop play do so, walk over and remind him that you aren't one of the folks he can give tactical instructions to and restart with a dropped ball where it was when you stopped play. On the second occurrence give him a parking lot pass and deal with his assistant.

The match will be better all around.

Regards,

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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

They scream because they do NOT understand offside. You do. If a player in offside position when the ball is played by a teammate is not able to become actively involved in play, there can be no offside. Continue making the correct no call. You're doing well!

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Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

For Offside to be possible there must be an opportunity that the offside player will be able to play the ball before it goes out of play or that no other onside player from his team has an opportunity or that the ball is going to be controled and possessed by an opponent long before interferring could occur. If there is an opportunity to play the ball and an opponent is also in pursuit that offside player icould be guilty of interfering with play within a reasonable proximity and a physical touch of the ball is not required. Cheers

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