Rules Study
Distinguishing Offside Position and Offence
Being ahead as an attacker alone does not constitute an offside offence. Also look at the moment the ball is played and how the player is involved in the play.
Which moment to look at
According to IFAB Law 11, being in an offside position is not an offence. The main thing to look at is the player's position at the moment a teammate plays or touches the ball.
Check three points
- Is the player in the opponents' half?
- Are the head, body or feet closer to the goal line than the ball and the second-last opponent? The hands and arms are not counted.
- Is that player involved in the play by playing the ball, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage?
When watching the replay, look separately at the moment the ball is played and the subsequent involvement. In close incidents, do not rush to decide from a single angle. The full details can be read in the original IFAB Laws.
Source: IFAB Law 11 ↗
Explore more stories