Question Number: 17448

Law 11 - Offside 10/22/2007

RE: club Under 17

John Askew of Roslyn, New York USA asks...

A offensive player is clearly off sides (within 3 yards of the goal mouth) but the ball is on the opposite side of the field. The ball is taken to the end line and then crossed to the "offsides" player. Is this player now considered on sides since he is behind the ball or must something else occur before this player is considered on side?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

John don't be concerned about offside when the attack begins, get to where you need to be! Just make sure when the cross is made you are not nearer the goal line than the ball. If that's the case it is impossible for you to commit an offside offence.

It is entirely possible for a referee to say you have committed an offence even though you can't because many referees don't understand offside. If the referee screws up and gives offside when you know you're not accept it as a field condition and don't argue. All that will get you is cautioned.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If the ball is at the end (goal) line and the player in question is 3 yards from the goal line, he is not in offside position and if the ball is played to him from the goal line, he may participate in play. Offside is only judged at the moment the ball is played by a teammate and in this case no offside.