Question Number: 15409

Law 11 - Offside 5/7/2007

RE: competive Under 15

oliver of clermont, fl usa asks...

how do you know if someone is offsides?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

2 things: 1. They need be in an offside position - which means they are closer to goal line than ball and 2nd to last defender and also on attacking half. 2. They must get involved in active play to be penalized. They can get involved in active play by interfering with play or an opponent or gaining an advantage by being in that position. The referee and assistant referee evaluate the offside position at the moment the ball touches that players teammate.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If you mean what is offside position then Ref Mueller has given you that. If you mean are they committing an offense after being found in an offside position then that happens when they involve themselves in play.

If you mean how do I know when someone is offsides? Well that is not a consideration because the word "offsides" is meaningless, its what parents and coaches shout when they mean "offside". It is something you were exposed to in your referee qualification course. Do not attempt to referee or be an assistant without reading the paper I wrote about the offside decision. You must be clear what offside position and offside infraction are before participating as referee or referee's assistant.

Regards,