AboutCody Gaines Expertise I can answer almost all questions pertaining to the laws of soccer. I can answer questions pertaining to USSF, FIFA, and AYSO. However, I am not so familiar with high school soccer. High school soccer follows their own rules and not FIFA law (but I may know the answer or I will find out the answer just expect a short delay). I also can answer any questions that present referees have pertaining to assessments, moving up grade levels, and/or how to deal with spectators (and much much more). So if you are a player, spectator, coach, or referee and have a question about soccer ask me a question and I will either know the answer or ask my colleagues. The more coaches, players, spectators, and referees who understand the Laws of the Game the more enjoyable and fluid the game of soccer will be.
Experience I have been a referee for 6 years now. I hold credentials with USSF and AYSO. I am an instructor for entry level referees and advanced referees. I serve as a board member for a referee association. I am a member of KSRA (Kern Soccer Referee Association) Calsouth. I have been a player for 10 years. I am also a mentor/assessor for referees.
Organizations KSRA
Calsouth
AYSO
Section 10
Education/Credentials USSF Referee
AYSO Referee
Assessor/Mentor
Instuctor
Player
Awards and Honors I am the youngest instructor in my section
I have officiated:
State Cup
National Cup
Far West Regional
Question Attacker 1 is in an offside position. Attacker 2 has the ball. Defender 1 gains possession of the ball from Attacker 2 and tries to pass the ball to Defender 2. Defender 1's pass deflects off Attacker 2 and goes directly to Attacker 1 who scores a goal. Should attacker 1 be called offside and the goal disallowed in this scenario?
What if Defender 1's pass deflects off Defender 2 and goes directly to Attacker 1?
Thanks
Answer Hi Gregg,
Ok first off this is a really good question because this type of scenario even perplexes the most experienced officials. Under law 11 in the Law of the Game the offside is judged "at the moment the ball is kicked or TOUCHED by a teammate". So to answer your first question YES the attacker should be called offside because as soon as the ball deflects off of attacker 2 this is considered the last touch on the ball at that is the moment that offside is judged per law 11. Now to answer your second question NO the attacker is not offside because not all criteria was met for there to be an offside infraction. The ball was not last touched or kicked by a teammate in this case it was the opposing team so therefore the attacker would NOT be offside.
I hope this helps if you need any clarification or have any follow-up I would be happy to answer any other questions that you may have.
