Question Number: 16001

Law 11 - Offside 7/11/2007

RE: Competitive

Jay Fiocca of St. Catharines, On Canada asks...

This is similar to a question already asked, but still unanswered. It deals with the offside rule. If a player is in an offside position when the ball is kicked by a teammate, and moves into an onside position to play the ball, are they still considered offside. Or if the player moves into the onside position, and then goes after the ball downfield and is the first to play it, are they considered offside. I believe so for both cases, but justed wanted to be certain I am interpreting the rule correctly.

Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jay,
an offside positioned player once restricted can NOT place themselves onside by moving to an onside position even if they cross over into their half of the field. If they become active they can be found offside and an INDFK awarded. Offside is possible on both your questions.
Look over question 15996 for further details
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Jay. We've answered this at least 50 times since the site opened in 1999. A player CANNOT put himself onside. Period. If a player is in offside position when the ball is played or touched by a teammate, he may not become actively involved in play until offside is reset by 1. another play or touch by a teammate and the player is no longer in offside position at that time, 2. the opponents gain control of the ball, or 3. the ball goes out of play. Please note that in these 3 ways never is the player doing anything because he cannot put himself onside. Thanks for the question