Offside is one of the most misunderstood rules of soccer. But its application is straightforward once it’s understood. If a player is deemed to be in an offside position, a free-kick is awarded to the opposing team.
So, how does the offside rule work?
To the offside rule, we first need to define what constitutes an offside position. This can be done in two ways: either the foot or any body part that can legally play the ball is nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent (usually the last defender); or both the feet or any body part that can legally play the ball is closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent.
When is a player in an offside position?
A player is considered to be in an offside position when they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender, which often includes the goalkeeper. However, it is important to note that being in an offside position does not necessarily mean that the player has committed an offside offense.
A player is only considered to have committed an offside offense if they are in an offside position and they are playing or attempting to play an active role in the game while in that position.
What happens when a player commits an offside?
If a player is deemed to be in an offside position, and they are playing or attempting to play an active role in the game, such as interfering with play, then the referee will blow his whistle to stop play. A free-kick is awarded to the opposing team.
It’s important to note that if a player is in an offside position but not interfering with play, the referee will allow play to continue. This means that the player can participate in the game once they get back into an onside position.
There are a few exceptions to the offside rule. For instance, a player is not considered to be in an offside position if they receive a ball that has been played backward by a teammate.
Additionally, a player is not offside if they are even with the second-to-last opponent, even if they are not behind the ball. This is often the ‘passive offside’ rule and is used to keep the flow of the game.
Conclusion
The offside rule is one of the most important rules in soccer, and it’s crucial for players and fans alike to understand how it works. The rule is enforced to ensure that teams play fairly and to prevent instances of players gaining an unfair advantage over their opponents.
In summary, being in an offside position means that a player is nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second last defender, and they are playing or attempting to play an active role in the game while in that position. If a player is deemed to have committed an offside offense, a free-kick is awarded to the opposing team.