Rules of the Game and Law 11 - Offside

Everyones Favourite Soccer Rule... 'Offside' - Law 11

Attention should be focused on when you actually must wait until the attacking offside player has to touch or play the ball before you declare them 'Offside'. You must be aware that if the offside attacker moves for the ball and an opponent also moves for the ball the offside attacker has now 'Interfered with an opponent' therefore, play must be stopped immediately and the attacker penalised, in this case don't wait for the offside player to make contact with the ball.

As an example: When the attacking team plays a ball up field and a team mate in an offside position moves for the ball and the opposing goalkeeper comes out for it (50/50 ball) don't wait to see who contacts the ball first as this could cause serious injury to both players. If the goalkeeper moves for the ball the offside attacker has interfered with the goalkeeper (opponent) and play must be stopped immediately. In this case if another attacker who was 'onside' when the ball was played also moves for the ball then you must wait to see which of the two attackers reaches the ball first, if it is the onside attacker play continues, if it is the offside attacker then you penalise him for 'interfering with play'.

I hope this helps in determining the right interpretation and if you still have questions regarding this please contact SYSA Ref Mentor