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Offside Explained: The Rule That Confuses Many
11 Jun
Summary
- Offside occurs when a player is ahead of the ball and second-to-last opponent.
- Being in an offside position isn't illegal; involvement in play is.
- Offside is not called directly from throw-ins, goal kicks, or corner kicks.
Offside is a fundamental regulation in soccer designed to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) defines an offside position as being closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent. While occupying an offside position is not an offense in itself, becoming involved in active play by touching the ball or interfering with an opponent while in this position results in an infraction.
Certain situations are exempt from the offside rule. Specifically, an offside infraction will not be called directly from a throw-in, a goal kick, or a corner kick.
The rule's reliance on the second-to-last opponent, rather than always the goalkeeper, acknowledges that goalkeepers may advance from their usual position. A player remains onside as long as they are not beyond the second-to-last defender, regardless of the goalkeeper's location on the field.
