Question Number: 16618

Law 11 - Offside 9/9/2007

RE: middle School Adult

Andy Schoenherr of Clinton Twp, Michigan Macomb asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16579

When off side is called, where is the proper point for the restart. I was taught that the restart is from the point where the pass was initiated. In our game yesterday, the referee insisted the restart to be from the point where the off side player played the ball, which was in our own goal area. (After the restart, the other team quickly gained control and scored.)

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Andy,
you both got it wrong!
It is not from where the pass originated nor is it from where the pass is recieved!
It is where the offside positioned player WAS at the time of that last touch of the ball.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Ref Dawson has answered it correctly. I'd add that if the offside-positioned player was in the Goal Area, the restart may take place anywhere within the Goal Area. And, just like a goal kick, the free kick must clear the Penalty Area before it is in play - no one else may touch it until then. Opponents must be outside the PA before the kick is taken.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Well coach, you are both wrong. The restart is at the point the offside player was when the ball was played by his teammate.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Wow... I didn't know adults could be in middle school.

The restart is located at the place where the offside attacker was at the moment the ball was played to him by his teammate.