Law 11 - Offside

Law 11 is one of the most often misunderstood of the 17 Laws of the Game (LOTG). 
Players, Coaches and Spectators all struggle with its interpretation in various match situation.

This page attempts to bring together numerous resources from around the web to foster a better understanding of Offside for referees, players, coaches and spectators. 

The Wording of Law 11

To view Law 11 as written in the FIFA 2008-2009 LOTG, Click Here and go to page 34 of the PDF document.

Key points to remember

• Offside position is judged every time a teammate plays or touches the ball

• It is never an offense to be in an Offside position

• A player in a Offside position is only penalized if he becomes involved in active play

Training Resources

FIFA Interactive Guide

• To view the FIFA Interactive Guide to Offside click the button below.

FIFA Additional Instructions and Guidelines for Referees (Part of the 2008-09 LOTG)

• To read the Pages on Offside,  Click Here and go to pages 101 through 109 of the PDF document.

US Soccer Federation Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees (previously: Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game)

• To read the Pages on Offside,  Click Here and go to pages 45 through 53 of the PDF document.

US Soccer Federation Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials (Revised June 2008)

• To read to Page on Offside, Click Here and go to page 20 of the PDF document

US Soccer Federation Position Papers and Memoranda

	Offside - Interfering With Play (.pdf) - added 03/25/09 - (Watch now at YouTube)
	Priority of Assistant Referee Responsibilities (.pdf) - added 03/24
	Offside On A Corner Kick (.pdf) - added 04/24/08 - (Watch now at YouTube)
	Offside Myths - added 10/17/07 click here
	Offside Issues (.pdf) - added 10/16/07 - (Watch now at YouTube)
	Offside and Interfering with Play (.pdf) - added 7/26/07 - (Watch now at YouTube)
	Offside - Classic Offside Situation (.pdf) - added 05/04/2007 - (Watch now at YouTube)
	Offside - Is Touching the Ball a Requirement? (.pdf) - added 04/18/07 - (Watch now at YouTube)
	Offside - Interfering with Play and an Opponent (.pdf) - added 8/25/2006 (Google Video)
	Applying Law 11 (Offside) Correctly D.C. United v. Red Bull N.Y. (April 2, 2006) (Webpage with Video)
	Offside Decision, Chi Fire at NE Revs Eastern Conf Final 11/6/05 (Webpage with Video)
	Offside - (.pdf) - added 9/8/05 (Presentation Slides)
	Offside - Law 11 (.pdf) - added 8/24/05

US Soccer Federation "Ask a Soccer Referee" Website

• Jim Allen has answered many questions about Offside on  www.askasoccerreferee.com   To view them Click Here

Other Resources

• The panel of Referees from around the world at Ask The Ref  have answered numerous questions about Offside.  To view them Click Here
• Julian Carosi of the Corsham Referees in the UK has created a series of diagrams explaining Offside.  To view them Click Here
• Julian has also compiled a History of the evolution of Offside.  To read it Click Here.
• Off-Side Ref is another page from the UK with a good explanation of Law 11

Training Videos from US Soccer Federation's Soccer Store
www.ussoccerstore.com

• Myths Of The Game  This DVD is a must for referees of all ages and experience. The production has a running time of approximately 15 minutes and is divided into five critical areas of officiating the sport of soccer: handballs, offside, dangerous play, throw-ins and goalkeepers.
• Making The Offside Call  Training DVD for Referees. Featuring the FIFA Women's world Cup USA 1999.

If you have a favorite Law 11 webpage that is not included here, please email the link to flandau@paonline.com

This page last updated 08/23/2010.