How do I judge offside?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under Law 11 (2026/27): Offside position: it is not an offence to be in an offside position. A player is in one if any part of the head, body or feet is in the opponents' half (excluding the halfway line) and any part of the head, body or feet is nearer to the opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. Hands and arms of all players, including goalkeepers, are not considered. The upper boundary of the arm is in line with the bottom of the armpit. Not offside if level with the second-last opponent or the last two opponents. Offence: a player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched by a team-mate is penalised only on becoming involved in active play: by interfering with play (playing or touching a ball passed or touched by a team-mate), interfering with an opponent (obstructing the opponent's line of vision, challenging for the ball, clearly attempting to play a close ball that impacts an opponent, or an obvious action that clearly impacts the opponent's ability to play the ball), or gaining an advantage from a ball that rebounded or was deflected off the goalpost, crossbar, match official or an opponent, or was deliberately saved by an opponent. First point of contact: use the first point of contact of the play or touch of the ball (when the ball is thrown by the goalkeeper, use the last point of contact). No offence when receiving the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in or corner kick. Deliberate play: a player receiving the ball from an opponent who deliberately played it (including a deliberate handball) is not considered to have gained an advantage, unless it was a deliberate save. Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 11 (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).