APPLYING OFFSIDE

When attending training sessions the subject of offside always comes up.

The initial reaction may be:” OH NO,DO WE HAVE TO GO OVER THIS AGAIN?

Referees should welcome the chance to periodically revisit a rule that affects our game significantly.

This presentation will discuss the current offside rule.

Review mechanics associated with the rule.

Offer suggestions to improve your ability to “make the right call”.

The NFHS 2009-2010 Rule Book list offside on page 39.

There are approximately 139 words defining this rule, making it the 2nd shortest in the book.

So, how can such a simple and short rule create so much controversy when applied on the field.

Lets review the important rule application of offside , so we all stay consistent with its use in your match.

A player is in the offside position if he or she is nearer to the opponents goal line than the ball – UNLESS.

The fact a player is in their own half of the field or a player is not nearer to the opponents goal line than at least two opponents, when the ball is touched or played by a teammate , offside should not be ruled,

NOTE: The position of the head, body or feet is the deciding factor, not the arms.

The additional conditions for declaring offside include: That a player is involved in active play by (a) interfering with play or with an opponent or (b) gaining an advantage by being in that position.

The times when a player cannot be penalized for being offside are: receiving the ball from a goal kick, a corner kick, or a throw-in. Merely because of being in an offside position.

Offside diagrams can be reviewed for clarity.

The mechanics used by the referee and assistant referees and appropriate signals for the officials are in the back of the NFHS Rule Book.

The most important factor is for the Referee Team to have a thorough pre-game about how offside will be managed.

Using the “better late, right; rather than early, wrong” theory works in most cases.

An assistant that snaps a flag too quickly may bring the match into controversy when the player receiving the ball turns out not to be the player in the offside position.

Referee should support the decision of their assistant when the correct application of the rule is applied.

Should a Referee choose to wave off an offside indication, such as times when the ball is collected by the goalkeeper and a punt would be more acceptable, it is wise to announce loud enough his reasoning why the flag was waved off.

The proper positioning of the assistant is critical and cannot be stressed enough.

“Stay even with the second-to-last defender or the ball , whichever is closest to the goal line ,” applies.

Assistants must concentrate on their position and fight the tendency to watch the match and thus risk losing concentration on where the second-to-last defender may be.

A side-to-side shuffle, when play and movement is compacted in front of the assistant , is also advised.

Always be ready to sprint when a long-ball is played into your half or a midfielder sends a through-ball.

The most controversial call can be easily sold when the assistant maintains the proper positioning throughout the entire match.

Coaches and players are less critical when they observe the officials working hard to get the this call right – positioning cannot be underemphasized !

A FEW TIPS

The referee that narrows his or hers diagonal pattern strictly will often miss an assistant’s flag.

Running a straight line from penalty area to penalty area is to be avoided at all costs.

Try, at all times, to keep your assistant in view; a wider diagonal will help.

Assistants, try this suggestion: memorize the numbers of the players in the back that most often influence your decisions.

This will help you maintain concentration as you mentally count those numbers as they pass in and out of defending offside position or making the offside trap.

If a forward gets caught in an offside trap and asks “How can that be” your response is that “Number 21 trapped you,” can turn off the dissent.

Conversely, if a forward collects the ball, scores, and it is number 21 who kept the forward onside, the assistant can respond: “Number 21 kept the forward onside.”

Knowing this answer , by the player’s number, shows that the assistant has a high level of concentration and usually diminish any form of doubt or dissent.

Obviously , you have to erase these mental numbers a memorize a new set in the 2nd half of play.

SUMMARY Offside, when administered properly by the

Referee Team, is easy to get right. No other call can add more controversy when it is

missed or when it is applied incorrectly. By having a thorough pre-game briefing with your

Referee Team, utilizing the appropriate signals, mastering the proper positioning and concentrating for the entire match, your service to the game and the players will be welcomed and appreciated.

Since the scoring of goals is the event that causes the most joy or the most sorrow, depending on which side of the ball one stands, the Referee Team must approach the offside rule seriously.

Start with 100% dedication to the correct application of this rule throughout the match, and improve upon that percent as the match goes on.