Question Number: 15820

Law 11 - Offside 6/18/2007

RE: Rec/Competitive Adult

Chris of Rockland, Ontario Canada asks...

This question came out of a recent discussion amoungst some relative new referees and some not so new. The olders fellows are of one opinion and the younger refs another.

Offside situation. The ball is kicked by attacking player No.1. while attacking player No. 2 is in the goal area and in an offside position. The ball makes contact with a defending player which mades a failed attempt at heading the ball out of the goal and penalty areas. Instead the ball falls behind this defending player and is kicked by offside attacking player No. 2 and enters the goal. Question: Is the goal disallowed as a result of an offside violation or does the goal stand?

I have my opinion but would very much like to hear yours.

Thank you!

Chris

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Based on the way you have described this - I can only assume (not assume) that the defender's "failed attempt" to head the ball equates to a deflection and not a deliberately played ball (w/ control).

If the referee believes that the defender merely deflected the ball then the attacker No. 2 should be punished for violating law 11.

If the referee is of the opinion that the defender made a controlled, deliberate, play of the ball and simply headed it to the attacker then the goal should stand. This could happen if the defender got onto the ball and tried to head it directly to the goalkeeper so he could handle it - but misdirected it. However, from your description above I have the feeling that this was not the case.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Chris,
as an opinion only,
-if the referee was of the opinion the ball was headed as a controled possession the goal would stand.
-if the referee was of the opinion the ball had deflected off the head the offside positioned player gained and advantage and is offside no goal.
Based on your description I lean to offside. I find one touch clearances generally that go astray are a result of outside pressure and no control thus more of a deflection than a controled possession mistake. I have awarded goals though in similar situations where a clearly controled back header towards the keeper that simply failed to recognize there was an offside player just out of his vision who would thank him for the lovely gift.
However, I would consider such things as
How was the defender positioned?
How easy was the ball to deal with?
Were there other options?
Were other opponent's contesting possession?
It is not always black and white and the referee as the match condition his match, his decision, his reputation!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If the ball was headed and just misplayed, it's a goal. If the defender had the ball deflect off his head, it's offside. All in the opinion of the referee

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The offside equation is altered by this: did the defence control the ball? Yes and the goal stands. No and we give offside. ONLY the referee on the match has the ability to decide this.

Regards,

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 15861