Offside in football: when it is called and when it is not

Short answer: a player is in an offside position when, at the moment the ball is played by a teammate, any part of their head, body or feet that can play the ball is nearer to the opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. But being in that position is not an offence: it is only called if the player becomes actively involved in play. The Laws of the Game, published by IFAB, are the reference.

Situations with an offside position

• The attacker is in the opponents' half.
• They are closer to the goal line than the ball and the second-last defender (the goalkeeper is usually the last).
• Arms and hands do not count for this assessment; parts of the body with which a goal can be scored do.

When it is called

The offence occurs when the player in an offside position, at the moment of the pass, interferes with play, interferes with an opponent or gains an advantage by being in that position. In simple terms: if they touch the ball, hinder a defender's action or take advantage of a rebound from a play in which they were in an irregular position.

Exceptions: when there is no offside

• On a goal kick, throw-in and corner kick, there is no offside from the restart.
• If the player is in their own half when the ball is played.
• If they are level with the second-last opponent or the last two opponents: being level is legal.
• If they do not take part in play, that is, they do not interfere with it.

Descriptions of plays

Play 1. Attacker A passes to attacker B, who runs toward goal. At the moment of the pass, B was level with the last defender. There is no offside.

Play 2. The pass goes to a teammate in a legal position, and the attacker in an offside position just runs without touching the ball and without hindering anyone. Play continues.

Play 3. The attacker in an offside position blocks the goalkeeper's view and prevents the save. An offence may be called for interfering with an opponent.

Tip for following along

Watch the moment of the pass, not the moment the player receives the ball. That is when the position is assessed. For other points of the rules, see the article on common mistakes in football and competitions on this site.