Soccer Offside Rule
Every soccer pitch is bound by goal lines and touchlines. However, players also need to be aware of their positioning relative to their opponents. If a player is caught in the wrong position, they could be called for being offside. Read below to learn more about the offside rule and when it is called.
When is a player offside?
A player is considered to be in an offside position when they are beyond the last defender while the ball is not. This specifically applies to the head, body, and head of the offside player. Their hands and arms may be in front of the defender. A player in an offside position may not receive a pass until they have returned back onside.
It is important to note that being offside is not in itself an offense. Players are only penalized when they try to actively play while being offside.
A player is also considered offside when they gain an advantage by playing the ball or interfering with an opponent during two specific situations. These situations are when the ball has:
- Rebounded or been deflected off the goal post, match official, crossbar, or an opponent
- Been deliberately saved by an opponent
Offside Referee Signal
When an offside offense has occurred, one of the linesmen will raise their flag straight up in the air. The referee will also blow their whistle and signal for an indirect free kick by raising their non-whistle arm straight up in the air above their head.
Result Of Offside Offense
The result of an offside foul is an indirect free kick. This free kick is taken from the position of the offending player when the ball was last played to them by one of their teammates.
Exceptions To The Offside Rule
There are three situations in which a player who is in an offside position can receive the ball from one of their teammates. They are as follows:
FAQ
What is the offside rule in soccer?
In soccer, the offside rule states that an offensive player must not be past the last defender while the ball is not. A player in an offside position may not legally receive a pass until they return back to an onside position. An offside foul results in an indirect free kick.
Can you be offside on a corner kick in soccer?
According to the Laws of the Game, a player in an offside position during a corner kick will not be called for being offside. This prevents the opposition from moving all their players further upfield and effectively trapping the team taking the corner. If a player scores a goal after being in an offside position on a corner kick, the goal will stand.