Like most things in football, the offside rule is pretty simple -
but there are a few situations that can make the calmest of
managers blow their top.
The 'active' ruling for example. Players can be in an offside
position but not be offside. It doesn't quite make sense at first,
but let's stick to the basics first.
A player is in an offside position if, when the ball is played by a
team-mate, they are nearer to the opposition's goal line than both
the ball and the second last opponent.
From the graphic above, the second last opponent determines the
line from where the offside area begins and can be anywhere in this
half of the pitch.
The referee's assistant will make their decision based on this
offside area.
All straightforward so far? This is where the grey areas start to
make life a little confusing.
A change to the rule was introduced two years ago, which allows a
player to be in an offside position provided they are not "actively
involved in play".
It was designed to promote attacking football, but it is open to
interpretation.
Fifa, world football's governing body, gives the following
definition:
"Interfering with play means
playing or touching the ball passed or touched by a
team-mate."
However, a player does not necessarily have to touch the ball to
influence play. They are still offside if they are judged to
be:
Interfering with an opponent If an attacker
interferes with an opponent by either preventing them from playing
or being able to play the ball, then they are offside. For example,
blocking the goalkeeper, or obstructing their line of vision.
Gaining an advantage If the ball is played into
the penalty area and rebounds off a post, crossbar or an opposing
defender, then the attacker is offside as they have gained an
advantage by being in that position.
Offside
Essentials
Here are a few more things to remember.
You can't be offside if:
* You receive the ball directly from a goal kick, a throw-in or a
corner
* You are in your own half of the pitch
* You are level with the second last or last two opponents
* You are level with or behind the team-mate who plays you the
ball
* You are not actively involved in play, as explained above
For any offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free-kick
to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the
infringement occurred.
