The Offside Rule

One of the most misunderstood rules of the game is the offside rule. Poor offside calls are a common
cause of spectator irritation at JPL games. In determining an offside penalty the Assistant Referee (linesman) is often
in a better position than the referee, making it especially important the linesman is familiar with this rule.

As it happens, being in an offside position does not automatically warrant an offside penalty.

A player warrants an offside penalty if, WHEN THE BALL IS KICKED BY A TEAMMATE:

1. the player is in the opponents half of the field, AND
2. the player is nearer the opponents goal line than the ball, AND
3. the player is nearer the opponents goal line than the second last defender, AND
4. the Referee determines that the player has participated in the area of active play.

There are three exclusions. A player is not offside if they receive the ball directly from a:
- throw in, or
- goal kick, or
- corner kick.

Only when the above 4 conditions are ALL satisfied should a linesman indicate an offside penalty has occurred.

When an Assistant Referee raises their flag to indicate Offside they are indicating to the Matche Referee that they believe an Offise Penalty is warranted, not just that a player is in an offside position.

An animation further explaining the offside rule can be seen by clicking here.

Now you've read this please remember, not every linesman will have read it, we all make mistakes,
and most importantly the referee is always right! Even if it appeared otherwise.