Football Offside Rule (Law 11)

Overview

• Law 11 is one of the shortest yet perceived as one of the most complicated and controversial laws in football.
• In reality, Law 11 is straightforward and can be understood easily in three steps: 1, 2, 3.

Steps to Determine Offside

1. Offside Position: Determine if a player is in an offside position.

   • A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent.
   • A player is not in an offside position if they are level with the second last opponent or the last two opponents.
   • A player can only be in an offside position in the opponent's half of the pitch.
     • In the player's own half, offside does not apply.
   • Definition of 'Nearer': Any part of the head, body, or feet nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent.

2. Active Play: Check if the player in an offside position is involved in active play.

   • Interfering with Play: Playing or touching the ball passed or touched by a teammate.
   • Interfering with an Opponent: Preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball. This can be by obstructing the opponent's line of vision, movements, or distracting/deceiving the opponent through gestures or movements.
   • Gaining an Advantage: Playing a ball that rebounds off the post, crossbar, or an opponent after being in an offside position.

3. Infringement: Stop play when the above two conditions (offside position and involvement in active play) are met.

Exceptions

• A player is not offside if they receive the ball directly from:
  • A goal kick
  • A throw-in
  • A corner kick