Offside is the rule that confuses new fans the most, and it is also the one that causes the most arguments among experienced ones. The idea is simple: an attacker can’t hang around next to the goal waiting for a long ball. Here is how the offside rule works in plain language, with the situations that trip people up.
The offside rule in one sentence
A player is in an offside position if any part of their head, body or feet that can legally score is closer to the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent at the moment a teammate plays the ball to them. The goalkeeper usually counts as one of the two opponents, so in practice it is often the last defender and the keeper.
Being in an offside position is not an offence
This is the part people forget. You are only penalised if you become involved in play, for example by receiving the pass, interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage from the situation. Standing in an offside position while a play happens elsewhere is fine.
When you cannot be offside
- From a goal kick
- From a throw-in
- From a corner kick
- In your own half
- Level with the second-last defender or level with the last two defenders
- When receiving the ball from an opponent’s deliberate play (not a deflection or save)
Why level is onside
If your body part that can score is level with the second-last opponent, you are onside. The law gives the attacker the benefit of the doubt, which is why you often see goals allowed by a toe or shoulder.
How VAR changed offside
With video assistant referees, close calls are measured using lines drawn on the frame when the ball is played. Semi-automated offside technology now tracks players’ limbs using cameras and a sensor in the ball, producing faster decisions. The rule has not changed; the measuring has.
Common offside examples
The through ball
A striker starts a run level with the last defender, the pass is played, and the striker is clear. Onside, because the position is judged when the ball is played, not when it is received.
The rebound
If a shot is saved or deflects off the post and a teammate who was offside gets the rebound, that teammate may be penalised, since they were in an offside position when the shot was taken and then gained an advantage.
Frequently asked questions
Can you be offside from a throw-in?
No. There is no offside offence directly from a throw-in, a corner or a goal kick.
Can the goalkeeper be the last defender?
Yes. The keeper is just one of the opponents. If the keeper has come out, a defender may be the only player the attacker needs to beat.
Does the arm count?
No. Arms and hands are not counted for offside. Only parts of the body that can legally score count.
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