The Offside Rule

The offside line is set by the second-last opponent. In this scene the blue keeper is the last opponent, so the deepest blue outfield player marks the line.

Number 9 runs beyond that line before the pass arrives. When the ball is played, he is closer to the goal than both the ball and the second-last defender. The referee gives offside.

Players often say “level is onside”, and the law agrees. To be offside, the attacker must be closer to the goal line than the second-last opponent. Level is not closer.

Number 9 times the run to arrive level with the defender as the ball is played. He then runs clear and finishes. No offence.

Everything is decided in the instant the ball is played. What happens next is irrelevant to the offside position. Number 9 is onside at the pass, then sprints beyond the line to collect the ball.

The frozen line stays where the defenders were at that moment. Because number 9 was behind it when the ball was played, he is onside.

The offside line is not only the second-last defender. A player is also onside if they are level with or behind the ball.

Here the ball is carried past the defensive line. The line moves forward with the ball. Number 9 is behind the ball, so he is onside even though he is goal-side of every defender.

Some restarts cannot produce offside. You cannot be offside directly from athrow-in, a goal kick or acorner kick.

Number 9 stands beyond the defensive line and receives the throw. He is in an offside position, but the restart removes the offence. Play continues.

Standing in an offside position is not against the law. A player is penalised only if they become involved in active play: by playing the ball, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage.

Number 9 is in an offside position, but the ball is played to number 10. Number 9 takes no part in the move, so the referee lets play continue.