Question Number: 17549

Law 11 - Offside 10/27/2007

RE: AYSO Under 15

carlos castaneda of lompoc, ca santa barbara asks...

A diret free kick is taking from the penalty arc the defender team moves forwar to leave the opositive team in the outside position two of atakers follow the play and score a gaol. ARE THEY IN THE OUTSIDE POSITION?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If a player is in an offside position at the time of a free kick, and then participates in play, he is offside. If the offside positioned players do not participate - do not play the ball and do not interfere with an opponent, there is no offside call.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Carlos,
One
the offside trap is a dangerous thing it is as a tactic all your team must understand your parts in it. A single late outgoing defender might keep those opponent's onside.
Two
the officiating staff must be experianced enough to recognize it for what it is or does in evaluation of offside position .
Three
A smart opposing team will place or leave some offside people to make you think ah ha we got them , only to send two late onside attackers from a deep position then ah ha they got you!
Four
offside position is not an offence provided they are NEVER involved in the outcome of play. So as long as any offside players that yourtrap caught stay out of the opposition's hair the onside players are granted free reign to score.
Five
What did the officials in your match decide? That my friend is the match condition of the day!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If the player was closer to the goalline than ball and 2nd last opponent at moment teammate kicked ball for free kick, then he could be penalized. He would only be penalized if he actually got involved in the play though.