Law 11 of the Laws of the Game governs offside in soccer and defines when an attacker is in an offside position and, more importantly, when that position is penalized. An offside offense occurs when a player is nearer to the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent at the moment the ball is played to them, with some exceptions. This article explains the position, the offence, common scenarios, and how referees and assistant referees judge timing and involvement to apply the rule consistently.
What Is an Offside Position
A player is in an offside position when, at the moment a teammate plays or touches the ball, they are:
- nearer to the opponents’ goal line than both the ball, and
- nearer to the opponents’ goal line than the second-last opponent (which usually includes the last outfield defender plus the goalkeeper).
Position alone is not an offence; it becomes an offence only if the player then participates in active play, gains an advantage by being in that position, or interferes with an opponent. Note that a player level with the second-last opponent, or level with the last two opponents, is not in an offside position.
Key definitions for Law 11
| Term | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Offside position | Closer to goal line than ball and second-last opponent | IFAB Laws of the Game |
| Offence | Position plus involvement in active play, gaining advantage, or interfering | IFAB Laws of the Game |
| Second-last opponent | Usually a defender; together with the goalkeeper defines the offside line | IFAB Laws of the Game |
| Active play | Touching or challenging for the ball, interfering with play, opponent, or space | IFAB Laws of the Game |
When Is Offside Not an Offence
Being in an offside position is not an offence in several scenarios. A player is not offside if they receive the ball directly from a goal kick, a corner kick, or a throw-in. In addition, a player who is behind the ball, level with the second-last opponent, or behind the last two opponents cannot be offside. Other common non‑offside situations include opposing players deliberately playing the ball (except in specific circumstances addressed by the rules) and a player who receives the ball directly from a dropped ball.
Offside Offences: Participation and Advantage
Interfering with play
Offside is called if a player in an offside position touches or challenges for the ball when it is played by a teammate. This includes controlling the ball with any part of the body or obstructing the vision of an opponent.
Interfering with an opponent
Actions such as preventing an opponent from playing or challenging for the ball, or making an action that clearly distracts or impedes an opponent, can trigger an offside offence even if the player does not play the ball.
Gaining an advantage
If the ball rebounds or deflects off a goalpost, crossbar, match official, or an opponent, and a player in an offside position gains an advantage by playing that ball or by positioning themselves to do so, an offence is usually awarded.
Pre‑Positioning and Movement
Players may move toward an offside position before the ball is played, and this is permitted. The offence is judged at the moment a teammate plays, touches, or legally dribbles the ball. A defender can attempt to time a run so that the attacker is onside by playing the ball behind them, but once the ball is passed, the prior position is assessed. Importantly, players in offside positions are expected to leave the space if an offside offence is imminent; staying in the way of an opponent is itself a form of interference.
Common Match Scenarios
In build‑up play, offsides are often judged on through balls that split the defense. Here, timing of the pass relative to the runners is critical. Defenses may employ a high line, requiring attackers to be extremely careful not to be caught offside. Midfielder movements and defensive stepping can change the offside line in a split second. In set pieces, offsides are typically not an issue from corners and throw‑ins, but can occur on goal kicks if the ball is played long into the box. Goalkeepers leaving their line can momentarily reduce the number of opponents, creating risk for attackers if the timing is poor.
Referee and Assistant Referee Mechanics
The assistant referee’s primary role in offside decisions is to judge the position of attackers at the moment the ball is played by a teammate and to signal whether the attacker is active. The referee relies on this input and considers whether an offence occurred before deciding to stop play. Modern technologies, including video assistant referee (VAR) and semi‑automated offside technology, aim to improve accuracy while preserving the role of on‑field officials. Clear communication and consistent positioning help minimize mistakes in fast‑paced situations.
Summary Checklist
- Offside position: nearer to goal line than ball and second-last opponent.
- Offence: position plus active involvement, gaining advantage, or interfering.
- Not offside if level with second-last opponent or behind the ball.
- No offside from goal kicks, throw‑ins, corner kicks, or dropped balls.
- Timing is assessed when the ball is played, touched, or legally dribbled.
Conclusion
Law 11 (offside) is one of the foundational rules that shape how soccer is played, influencing team shape, build‑up patterns, and attacking timing. Understanding the definition of offside position, the conditions that create an offence, and the exceptions helps players, coaches, and fans interpret decisions more accurately. By focusing on position, involvement, and advantage, the rule aims to balance attacking opportunity with defensive fairness in a consistent and predictable manner.