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Message: [QUOTE="D J B, post: 4021958, member: 11270"] It's a subtlety of the game that you are missing, but it would take about a four page comment to thoroughly explain it. There is a very basic note about it in a comment above, and I hope that helps. Think of it this way...a player (you) is running full speed down the field into a nest of defenders spread along a defensive line. A teammate kicks the ball and sends it to you. Where exactly are you in relation to those defenders and the goal at that exact moment? Were you watching your teammate kick it, or were you listening for the sound of it, or were your attentions on the goal and the keeper? Were your eyes on every one of those defenders? You simply can't do that. Especially if those defenders are trying to trap you offside. Soccer forwards (especially attackers like Morgan and Press) are always trying to put themselves into position to receive the ball as far forward as possible. They are extremely good at finding the seams and running into open space, often working together to pull the defense apart. If the defending team is good at their job, it's almost impossible for the attackers to pay attention to exactly where they are vertically on the field (once again running at full speed). VAR (video assisted referee) is relatively new and is primarily used in FIFA sanctioned events such as the World Cup, or now in the Olympics. Until only a few years ago, an offside call was totally the responsibility of the side judge and the referee, and was usually a call based on a few inches or a foot or more. With VAR, it's a matter at most an inch or two, or even less. An Alex Morgan goal against Australia was recalled because she was ruled 1/2 inch offside. Instant replay has come to soccer for better or worse, and players are learning how to deal with it. It isn't lack of discipline. It's simply learning and adapting to a much smaller allowance for error. By the way, a side judge in calling an offside doesn't rely solely on a visual reference. They are watching the players along the offside line and are[B][I] listening [/I][/B]for the sound of the ball being struck by the player sending the ball forward. (Soccer balls are designed to have a very distinct and loud sound being kicked.) Usually, the flag goes up instantly, but other times the side judge has to replay it in their head to get it right. OK, I'm done. Not quite four pages, but working on it. [/QUOTE]

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