Question Number: 15784

Law 11 - Offside 6/13/2007

RE: Adult

Reo of New York, New York United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15759

What's with the smart ass reply from Chuck Fleischer? American football does have "offsides" but everyone else seemed to understand the question that I asked . . .

Offsides: A defensive player is on the wrong side of the ball at the start of a play. If play has started, the penalty is delayed pending the outcome of the play.

Who cares if I call it "offsides" instead of "offside . . .?" Answer the damn question. It's pretty obvious that I was referring to "offside" . . .

I can't believe you'd allow a post from someone like that on your site. Chuck's trolling on posts needs to stop. He's not helping anyone but intentionally making these smart ass remarks.

Answer provided by Referee Jon [Withheld]

I think you, my friend, need to take a look at yourself. Do you even realise how frustrating it is for an Englishman to sit here reading 'offides' all the time. It's offside and it is just as annoying as the missuse of there or their.

"Offsides: A defensive player is on the wrong side of the ball at the start of a play" confused by this? Are you referring to that 'sport' you call American Football?? Because that is not the definition of offside in the beautiful game.

I also suggest maybe not to come on here and expect a group of referees to chatise a fellow official. Unlike you, we know how hard it is in the middle. How hard we work, how we pride ourselves on being perfectionists. We don't make mistakes on purpose (Show me a ref that does and I will personally come and tear him down). If someone on a team you support misses a shot on goal, are you going to make him live by that? No. So why should a referee be made to live by a single mistake....even if that mistake is huge. But we do, it is part of our job. We accept this and get on with it. Go have a look at the fastest paced style of football in the world , the English Premiership, and tell me how many mistakes these officials make at an unbelievably fast pace.....very few will be your answer. And this is astonishing considering the speed they work at, and the time in which they have to make a decision in order to sell it. By this i mean blowing even a second after when you've played no kind of advantage is seen as too slow.

Regards

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Part of our mission to "Educate and Amuse" is to attempt to encourage the use of the correct terms as found in the Laws of the Game. There are no "handballs"', "pass-backs" or "offsides" in soccer (or Football, as the rest of the world calls it). Sometimes the distinction is simply semantics, but often using the correct terms brings some additional meaning to the answers.

As for trying to amuse, some of us have a rather warped sense of humor. It comes from standing out in the sun too long as we practice our craft. Or in the case of some of my colleagues, from playing in the goalkeeper position too long.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Reo,
I too mentioned the s factor but as to trolling Chuck's sarcastic bite could reflect the nature of how we as referees view outside influence. I do not take it personally when I referee and the clowns along the touch line chide scream and call me names and speak gibberish as to my heritage, birth right or whether I am right or wrong. I think you need not view Chuck's reply as a personal afront. And whether we compare him to Don Rickles as insult humour the sarcastic method he occassionally chooses to educate may not be to your liking but certainly correct in its thinking!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

So, I have to comment. I'll bet every time you use the word "offsides" whether talking about gridiron football or Association Football, you'll remember there's no "s" in offside. I'll also bet that every time you use the term football, when referencing the game you know something about, you'll remember there is another Game that's known throughout the world as Football.

Telling me to answer the question is your right, especially when you think the question is not answered. I didn't answer BECAUSE I will not chastise the decision of a referee and his crew taken in the heat of battle. I said whatever their decision, it was right. I stand by that and whether you agree or disagree you'll find their decision, under the Laws of the Game, is absolutely correct because it is a fact connected with play and, therefore, final. You'll also notice the decision was taken instantly and without many people standing around a television monitor getting help from a camera man. I would really like to offer comments about television commentators preaching the Laws and referee's decisions like they've been there done that but by this time you're so incensed it would be a waste of electrons.

And just a little aside, every time someone puts an "s" on offside someone, here, offers the reminder there is no "s" in offside...

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

First of all - even in American football there is no s on the end of "offside".

Here is the definition from the NFL rule book. "19. Offside: A player is offside when any part of his body is beyond his scrimmage or free kick line when the ball is snapped or kicked. " So, that takes care of your argument nicely.

Secondly, if you can't handle a little sarcasm or wit, then I suggest working on it.