Question Number: 17715

Law 11 - Offside 11/6/2007

RE: Rec. Adult

Tom of Kingsport, TN USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 17666

Follow up question to #17666--
The Red team is attacking from left to right. One Red team player dribbling the ball crosses midfield and falls down. The ball is loose. One Blue team player controls the ball, dribbles the ball across midfield. The Red team goalie is the only Red team player between the Blue player and the goal. The Blue team player dribbles to the goal and scores. Does the score count?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Yes.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

You might want to read the offside paper we have on the site. It is available in the right column as a link. The goal counts, the paper tells you why.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Why wouldn't it count? Blue came from their half of the field, didn't run over anybody or otherwise do something to draw a whistle for an offense, and scored a goal. Goallllllllllll!

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

And why wouldn't it count? If you're thinking offside you may want to read the excellent article Ref Fleischer has on our main page. Offside as a concept involves teammates. A player all by himself with the ball is free to dribble wherever he likes regardles of number of defenders between himself and the keeper.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I betcha the Blue player was always behind the ball as he went down to score as well. He didn't run ahead of the ball, getting closer to the goal than the ball, and then back up to play it again. So he never was in an offside position!