Soccer offsides rule explained...

[LoboDays]

There seems to be a new wrinkle in this offsides process. In some situations, the asst ref doesn’t raise the flag immediately but waits.. play continues for a while and then the flag goes up. The announcers were complaining about it ( somerhing about letting the video replay handle it.) They we’re saying that if someone Got injured during the time between the offside occurring and the flag is raised, it would be a shame. I don’t get. What is the asst ref waiting to see?

 

[CL82]

Why not put a line on the field? This offsides rule in soccer is horrible. The fact that a defender dictates what is and what isn't offsides is just bizarre.

Nah, it's just...

I may be prejudiced having spent many a season yelling, "pull them up" and I wasn't talking about low hanging shorts.

 

[CL82]

"The clock in soccer counts up rather than down to allow the timekeeping during a soccer game to be as simple as possible. This simplicity enables soccer to be played with a single referee in possession of a simple timepiece anywhere in the world."

Say what? Why would that make any difference whatsoever whether the clock is running down or up?

 

[stamfordhusky]

There seems to be a new wrinkle in this offsides process. In some situations, the asst ref doesn’t raise the flag immediately but waits.. play continues for a while and then the flag goes up. The announcers were complaining about it ( somerhing about letting the video replay handle it.) They we’re saying that if someone Got injured during the time between the offside occurring and the flag is raised, it would be a shame. I don’t get. What is the asst ref waiting to see?

Unless it is a very clear offside, the AR usually waits to put up the flag. That allows play to continue in case it turns out the AR is wrong. If she pops the flag in error and the ref blows the whistle, it could cost the attacking team a goal - which is a HUGE deal in such a low-scoring sport. Alternately, If she waits to put up the flag, then the error can be undone by VAR in case an undeserved goal is scored. So nothing is lost and the game is not really affected. What Foudy said made no sense. A player could get hurt at any point in the 120 minutes - but not because the AR held off on the call. You'd hear her screaming 100x louder if the AR erroneously put up the flag in real time and it cost the U.S. a goal in a tight knockout game.

 

[stamfordhusky]

By the way, a player can earn a red card and be sent off for accumulating two yellow cards total in two consecutive games.

No. If a player gets yellow cards in two consecutive games, she is banned from the next game. But she is not sent off.

 

[LoboDays]

Unless it is a very clear offside, the AR usually waits to put up the flag. That allows play to continue in case it turns out the AR is wrong. If she pops the flag in error and the ref blows the whistle, it could cost the attacking team a goal - which is a HUGE deal in such a low-scoring sport. Alternately, If she waits to put up the flag, then the error can be undone by VAR in case an undeserved goal is scored. So nothing is lost and the game is not really affected. What Foudy said made no sense. A player could get hurt at any point in the 120 minutes - but not because the AR held off on the call. You'd hear her screaming 100x louder if the AR erroneously put up the flag in real time and it cost the U.S. a goal in a tight knockout game.

Thanks.

 

[Mdoggie]

Man I miss packing up the SUV and heading down to San Diego or out to Vegas for the soccer showcases! Such fun. Those days are long gone, however we parents are still friends and get together when we can. Not so much now due to covid.

 

[JoePgh]

OK, you offside rule experts, please explain the call on the play where a Netherlands goal was disallowed for offside. As I recall the play, a player in orange fired a shot which bounced off the crossbar of the USA goal. As it bounced up in the air (vertical or nearly so), a Netherlands player rushed in behind the USA defense to strike it home for a rebound goal.

The goal was nullified as offside, allegedly because the apparent scorer was behind the USA defense. But she was still facing the ball (i.e., the ball was between her and the goal). If the ball counts as two defenders (i.e., having the ball ahead of you nullifies offside even if you have passed the last defender), then why was this goal disallowed?

 

[Hoops66]

I've always wondered what a soccer game would be like if there was "no offsides". Let the final scores be 19-13 or something. Make playing defense...defensive. Spare officials making calls they may well have to guess. And give the fans something more exciting than nil-nils forever! Hockey is far more fun to watch than it was when there was 2 line offsides called every 2 minutes. Maybe soccer would be too?

 

[Plebe]

OK, you offside rule experts, please explain the call on the play where a Netherlands goal was disallowed for offside. As I recall the play, a player in orange fired a shot which bounced off the crossbar of the USA goal. As it bounced up in the air (vertical or nearly so), a Netherlands player rushed in behind the USA defense to strike it home for a rebound goal.

The goal was nullified as offside, allegedly because the apparent scorer was behind the USA defense. But she was still facing the ball (i.e., the ball was between her and the goal). If the ball counts as two defenders (i.e., having the ball ahead of you nullifies offside even if you have passed the last defender), then why was this goal disallowed?

What matters is the players' position at the moment the ball was contacted by the teammate (the "pass"). As noted by @stamfordhusky above, the rebound off the goal frame does not alter the offside situation.

In this case it was a header by a Dutch player off a corner kick that rebounded off the crossbar, which was then headed into goal by another player. But at the moment of the first header, the scoring player was clearly in an offside position.

 

[stamfordhusky]

OK, you offside rule experts, please explain the call on the play where a Netherlands goal was disallowed for offside. As I recall the play, a player in orange fired a shot which bounced off the crossbar of the USA goal. As it bounced up in the air (vertical or nearly so), a Netherlands player rushed in behind the USA defense to strike it home for a rebound goal.

The goal was nullified as offside, allegedly because the apparent scorer was behind the USA defense. But she was still facing the ball (i.e., the ball was between her and the goal). If the ball counts as two defenders (i.e., having the ball ahead of you nullifies offside even if you have passed the last defender), then why was this goal disallowed?

The Netherlands player was behind the last defender (and nearer to the goal than the ball) when the shot was taken. Where the player is at that moment determines offside position. It doesn't matter what happens after that - until one of her teammates touches the ball to reset the onside situation, or until a defender controls the ball.

To determine offside position, you basically take a mental snapshot of where everybody is each time the ball is touched by an attacking player. That determines offside position. If a player is in offside position, she can't undo that until the ball is touched again by one of her teammates - or until the ball is controlled (not just touched) by a defender.

 

[The Viking]

You can only be offsides in your attacking half of the field. The line (you ask for) is at midfield. This eliminates “cherry picking” Also there is no offsides on a throw in.

Send it out farther like hockey does. Keep the defender out of the rules definition. Open up the field to allow for more scoring and maybe have less games come down to ridiculous penalty kicks.

 

[Waquoit]

I've always wondered what a soccer game would be like if there was "no offsides". Let the final scores be 19-13 or something.

It was called indoor soccer and it was boring.

 

[Waquoit]

OK, in-coming accepted. Fire away! Soccer, what this rest of the world mistaking calls "football", is an extremely stupid sport.

What's truly stupid is calling gridiron, football. How many times is a foot actually used to strike the ball in a game? Less times than in the first few minutes of a soccer game I would imagine.

 

[Plebe]

Send it out farther like hockey does. Keep the defender out of the rules definition. Open up the field to allow for more scoring and maybe have less games come down to ridiculous penalty kicks.

But but but ... without PKs we would never have the MAN, the MYTH, the LEGEND that is SCOTT STERLING!

 

[D J B]

What's truly stupid is calling gridiron, football. How many times is a foot actually used to strike the ball in a game? Less times than in the first few minutes of a soccer game I would imagine.

Actually, the first minute of a soccer(football) game.

 

[Boreifs]

OK, in-coming accepted. Fire away! Soccer, what this rest of the world mistaking calls "football", is an extremely stupid sport. Name 2 other sports where the clock counts UP to the end of the game. What other sport allows the referees (or whatever they are called) to add additional minutes, by some mysterious means, to the end of the game? How can a game go the better part of 3 hours, end in a zero-zero tie, and be call exciting? Give me badminton or give me death!

Most of the rest of the world thinks Baseball and Cricket are also stupid. If one has played a game, the perspective changes. By the way, Billions of people would laugh at you if they read your post. I played some recreational soccer in Germany and accompanied my colleagues to several games; also coached my son’s team. IMO, your criticism is unfortunate; you’re missing a great sport through lack of knowledge.

 

[Jackcatscal]

I’d like to hear some dude from The Netherlands or Brazil explaining baseball’s infield fly rule.

 

[D J B]

I’d like to hear some dude from The Netherlands or Brazil explaining baseball’s infield fly rule.

90% of American baseball fans couldn't explain it. LOL.

 

[D J B]

Send it out farther like hockey does. Keep the defender out of the rules definition. Open up the field to allow for more scoring and maybe have less games come down to ridiculous penalty kicks.

No. Just let soccer be soccer. By far, most games do not come down to penalty kicks, but when they do, it's a nail biter that other sports don't have. Soccer has it's own rules for a reason.

 

[Bigpetunia]

I very much appreciate the explanation of the offsides rule by our resident experts. I think I get it, although the question that remains for me probably reveals that I don't: Isn't the practical effect of the rule that the defense often gets rewarded for being a bit lazy getting in position? Please help me to better understand.

Also, for the benefit of ignorant Americans ( of which I am clearly one), is it fair that, upon questioning some of the rules, the response is often, "Look, this is the most popular game in the world, you just don't understand it." Point taken. But isn't the reality of its unquestioned popularity and universality based mainly on the fact that such minimal equipment is required for its execution, especially in poorer neighborhoods in poorer countries?

 

[D J B]

I very much appreciate the explanation of the offsides rule by our resident experts. I think I get it, although the question that remains for me probably reveals that I don't: Isn't the practical effect of the rule that the defense often gets rewarded for being a bit lazy getting in position? Please help me to better understand.

Also, for the benefit of ignorant Americans ( of which I am clearly one), is it fair that, upon questioning some of the rules, the response is often, "Look, this is the most popular game in the world, you just don't understand it." Point taken. But isn't the reality of its unquestioned popularity and universality based mainly on the fact that such minimal equipment is required for its execution, especially in poorer neighborhoods in poorer countries?

Here's a good explanation of the rule - why it exists, how it's changed over the years, and what would happen if it were abolished.

What Would Happen if the Offside Rule Was Abolished?

A bit of a read, but I hope it helps.

And yes, the sport is popular for those reasons you cite. The "Look, this is the most popular game in the world, you just don't understand it" response is usually made when someone declares the game to be "stupid". Questioning the rules is a good thing, leading to a better understanding of how the game is played.

Here's a bit more about the rules:

The 17 Laws of Soccer Explained

This is something that every parent of every child playing soccer should read. It would make the sidelines on Saturday mornings a much more fun and tolerable place to be.

 

[Bigpetunia]

Here's a good explanation of the rule - why it exists, how it's changed over the years, and what would happen if it were abolished.

What Would Happen if the Offside Rule Was Abolished?

A bit of a read, but I hope it helps.

And yes, the sport is popular for those reasons you cite. The "Look, this is the most popular game in the world, you just don't understand it" response is usually made when someone declares the game to be "stupid". Questioning the rules is a good thing, leading to a better understanding of how the game is played.

Here's a bit more about the rules:

The 17 Laws of Soccer Explained

This is something that every parent of every child playing soccer should read. It would make the sidelines on Saturday mornings a much more fun and tolerable place to be.

Thank you so much, DJB. Those articles, particularly the first, helped a lot. I now understand why such a rule is required, even if there are a few untoward side -effects. I think it’s a great game, and I’ve enjoyed watching it, even if woefully naive regarding so many of the fine points.

 

[Waquoit]

No. Just let soccer be soccer. By far, most games do not come down to penalty kicks, but when they do, it's a nail biter that other sports don't have. Soccer has it's own rules for a reason.

Well said, let soccer be soccer and if somebody doesn't like it or get it, it's their loss. Nil-nil games can be nail biters.

 

[CL82]

Most of the rest of the world thinks Baseball and Cricket are also stupid. If one has played a game, the perspective changes. By the way, Billions of people would laugh at you if they read your post. I played some recreational soccer in Germany and accompanied my colleagues to several games; also coached my son’s team. IMO, your criticism is unfortunate; you’re missing a great sport through lack of knowledge.

That’s the thing though, isn’t it? If you don’t understand the game you’re always going to think it’s stupid. I was not a soccer fan before I started coaching my young kids in soccer. (Which, initially at least, is basically a continuous rugby scrum around the ball.) As they moved up I learned more about the game, and now I enjoy watching it. Like most sports you have to be reasonably informed so that you understand what’s happening away from the ball. Then you can see things develop and the game becomes much more engaging. If your understanding is just watching a ball being kicked around the field and waiting for someone to take a shot on goal, yeah, it’s going to be pretty boring.

 

[Waquoit]

Here's a good explanation of the rule - why it exists, how it's changed over the years, and what would happen if it were abolished.

What Would Happen if the Offside Rule Was Abolished?

Thx for the article. Imagine Zlatan with no offsides! He wouldn't have to run, just stand in the box and get service. With his height and skill no telling how many goals he would score. The game itself would be worse, of course.

 

[fang]

OK.... We understand the offsides rule. Why does it seem as if the USWNT does not understand the rule?

 

[JoePgh]

Not that it will ever happen, or even that it should happen, but I think soccer would be a much more fan-friendly game if it basically followed the rules of ice hockey, but on turf rather than ice and using feet to propel the ball rather than sticks to propel the puck.

Specifically:

1. A fixed offside line rather than a variable one based on where the defense positions itself.
2. Free substitution during play, which would allow a faster game because players could then play in shifts and go at a faster pace while they are in the game and then recover on the bench while they are temporarily replaced. This might require larger rosters that go three-deep at each position, but everyone would play.
3. I'm not sure if an "icing" rule (maybe it could be called "pitching") would be needed to prevent defenses from just kicking the ball down the field to break up an attack. (I'm not entirely sure why defenses in today's soccer game don't do that more often.)
4. Penalties enforced through a "penalty box", where the offending player must go out of the game for a fixed time, and his/her team would be required to play short-handed for that time.

Obviously that would be a very different game, perhaps requiring different skills, and certainly with records that would be completely non-comparable with today's soccer game.

 

[D J B]

OK.... We understand the offsides rule. Why does it seem as if the USWNT does not understand the rule?

Of course they understand it. The USWNT style of play is such that they push the limit to gain the advantage and break in behind the defense. Sometimes they time it just right, and sometimes they don't. Unless a player has 360 vision, they are going to get offside calls.

 

[Mdoggie]

Joe Joe Joe. I have a great idea. Let’s have Ice hockey follow the rules of soccer.