Question Number: 21127

Law 11 - Offside 4/14/2009

RE: Competitive-high school Adult

Dennis Neuner of Haslett, MI USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 21068

Player a and b of the attacking team are in the onside position when player a kicks the ball toward the keeper. The ball bounces off of the keepers leg directly to player b who is now behind the 2nd last defender. Player b receives the rebound and scores. Should the goal be allowed?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

As long as player b was onside when player a kicked the ball, then the goal is good. There is nothing in your scenario which would reset the position of player b from onside to offside.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

'Player a and b of the attacking team are in the onside position when player a kicks the ball ...' We can stop right there. As a referee you must know when offside position is evaluated - when the ball is last touched by a teammate. As a and b were in an onside position at that time, there is no offside.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Of course it should. Dennis, you as a referee KNOW that it only matters where the player was when the ball was played by his teammate. You say he was onside. Doesn't matter where he RECEIVES the ball, he is allowed to play it. Award the goal.