Law 11: The Offside Rule Explained and Illustrated
A player is in an offside position if any part of their head, body, or feet is nearer to the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent at the exact moment the ball is played or touched by a teammate. Being in an offside position is not an offense in itself; an offense only occurs when the player actively becomes involved in play, interferes with an opponent, or gains an advantage from the position.
TECHNICAL LAW 11 GEOMETRY (THE OFFSIDE LINE)
LAW NOTE: Hands and arms of all players (including goalkeepers) are not considered when assessing offside positions. Only body parts capable of legally scoring a goal (head, torso, legs, feet) count.
The Four Critical Assessment Conditions
Judged at the exact millisecond the ball is kicked or touched by a teammate, not when the receiving player touches the ball.
Usually the last defending outfield player, since the goalkeeper is typically the last opponent closest to the goal line.
A player cannot be offside in their own half of the field of play at the moment of the pass.
No offside can occur directly from a throw-in, corner kick, or goal kick.
Officiating Scenarios & Decisions
Attacking player A is ahead of the second-last defender when teammate B passes. Player A controls the ball and scores.
Attacking player is in an offside position, but a defender makes an intentional, uncontrolled attempt to clear the ball and mis-hits it to the attacker.
Attacker stands in an offside position when a teammate shoots. Goalkeeper parries the ball into the attacker's path. Attacker is penalized for gaining an advantage from an offside position.
Sources & Verification
Last reviewed: 2026-08-10 by the Laws of Sport Editorial Team.