FAQ
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Can a player on the halfway line be offside?
NO – the halfway line is ‘neutral’ for offside – a player has to be in the opponents’ half to be in an offside position.
Are a players arms/hands considered as part of the players body when judging offside?
The hands or arms are not included when judging offside position; this is true for all players including the goalkeepers. This view is supported by and helps assistant referees throughout the world as it is often difficult to identify the exact position of the hands and arms.
The law now says that the IDFK for an offside can be taken in the players own half but how can this be correct?
It is correct because:a player CAN NOT be in an offside POSITION in their own halfa player CAN commit an offside OFFENCE in their own half if they go back into their own half from an offside positionWith the exception of offences in the goal area, throughout the Laws every free kick is awarded from the place where the offence occurs so it is logical that this should also apply to offside.
Can a player who interferes with play after a rebound or save be given an offside?
YES – interfering with an opponent or play after a rebound or save is clearly an offside offence if the player was originally in an offside position.
For how long is a defending player who goes off the field of play during an opponents' attack technically on the goal line for offside?
It is unfair that a defender who goes off the field of play (often through injury) remains ‘active’ on the goal line until play next stops as play can continue for a long time. The new wording makes it clear that once the defending team has cleared the ball towards the halfway line and it is outside their penalty area, that ‘phase of play’ has ended and the defender is no longer ‘active’ for offside. This will require alertness from assistant referees and good communication between the referee and assistant.
How can an attacking player gain a non-offside advantage when returning to the field of play?
The player could come back onto the field of play without the other team being aware and then receive a pass or make a challenge. If the player is penalised for offside no advantage has been gained so there is no need for a caution (YC).
Can an attacking player in the goal net be penalised for offside?
Yes, if the player commits an offside offence.