Offside is the most debated rule in football. Fans argue about it every weekend. But the basic idea is simple: an attacker should not hang around near the opponents’ goal waiting for the ball. The rules of football are set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), and offside is covered by Law 11. Here is a plain guide.
What is an offside position
A player is in an offside position if, at the moment a teammate plays or touches the ball:
- Any part of their head, body or feet is in the opponents’ half, not counting the halfway line, and
- That part is nearer to the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent.
The goalkeeper usually counts as one of the last two opponents. The hands and arms of all players, including goalkeepers, are not considered when judging offside.
When it is not offside
A player is not in an offside position if they are:
- In their own half.
- Level with the second last opponent.
- Level with the last two opponents.
- Behind the ball when it is played.
Being in an offside position is not an offence
Simply standing in an offside position is not punished. A player is penalised only if they become involved in active play by:
- Playing or touching the ball passed by a teammate.
- Interfering with an opponent, for example by blocking the goalkeeper’s line of sight or challenging for the ball.
- Gaining an advantage, such as playing a ball that rebounds off the post or a defender’s save.
Also Read: Badminton Rules Explained: 21 Point Rally Scoring, Service Rules and Faults Every Player Should Know | Freestyle Wrestling Rules Explained: Points, Fall, Technical Superiority and the Weigh In Rule
Exceptions
There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from:
- A goal kick.
- A throw in.
- A corner kick.
The punishment
When offside is called, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the defending team from where the offence happened.
Role of VAR
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was used at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2018. VAR can review offside decisions linked to goals. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA used semi automated offside technology, which tracks players’ limbs with cameras and a sensor in the ball to help officials decide faster.
Why the rule exists
Without offside, attackers could wait near the goal all game, and football would become a series of long balls. The rule pushes teams to build attacks and makes defending as a unit important.
Bottom line
A player is offside when they are ahead of both the ball and the second last defender at the moment a teammate plays the ball, and then take part in play. Being level is onside, and there is no offside from throw ins, goal kicks or corners.
Source / स्रोत: The International Football Association Board (IFAB), All India Football Federation, FIFA
