Question Number: 17159

Law 11 - Offside 10/7/2007

RE: comp Under 15

melinda of port st lucie , fl us asks...

I was told that when the goal keeper comes out past the 18 yard box. he is then considered the last defender an therefore an offensive player would not be considered offsides when he is played the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I don't know who told you this but it doesn't make any sense as far as offside is considered. A player is in offside position when she is nearer the opponents goal than BOTH the ball and the next to last opponent. The last opponent (not defender) is simply that player who is closest to the goal line whether it's the keeper or an outfield player. Same for next to last opponent, third to last opponent etc.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Let's say we have defender white #3 and defender white #4 and the goalkeeper #1. #1, the GK, is just outside of the penalty area (18 yarder), #3 is right behind him but inside the penalty area and #4 is at the top of the goal area (6 yarder). Who is the second to last opponent if you count up from their goal line? Yep. #4 is the last opponent, #3 is the second to last opponent, and the GK #1 is the third to last opponent. The GK is always just another player when we're counting players - the only differences are we have to have a GK to play, he dresses funny and the GK is the only one who can use his hands inside the penalty area (18 yarder).

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

MYTH, outright wrong and who in gawds name told you such bunk?
The keeper is one of 11 players and is usually but not always the last opponent simply by nature of his popsition in the goal.
Offside only mentions 2nd last opponent and the last two opponents not a peep about the keeper.
Cheers