The quick answer
No offence when a player in an offside position stays out of the play. Offside is given when that player plays the ball, gets in an opponent's way, or scores from a rebound or a save.
See what changes
Choose a play. Use Play or Freeze decision, then read the example.
The pass goes to a different attacker, who was onside. The player in the offside position stays out of it.
- Blue team
- Green team
- Goalkeeper
- Referee or assistant
Not involved
The pass goes to a different attacker, who was onside. The player in the offside position stays out of it.
Paused
Not involved
The pass goes to a different attacker, who was onside. The player in the offside position stays out of it.
No offside: the goal stands
Being in an offside position is not an offence. This player never touched the ball or got in anyone's way.
Blocks the goalkeeper
A teammate shoots. The player in the offside position stands right in front of the goalkeeper. The player clearly obstructs the goalkeeper’s view of the ball.
Offside: no goal
The player never touches the ball, but clearly blocks the goalkeeper’s line of vision and prevents them playing or being able to play it.
Scores from a save
The goalkeeper saves a shot. The ball comes out to the player who was in the offside position, who scores.
Offside: no goal
A save does not reset offside. Neither does a rebound off the post, the crossbar or a defender.
Defender plays it
A defender gets the ball under control and tries to pass it, but gives it straight to the attacker. The defender has time and control to play it; this is neither a deflection nor a deliberate save. The attacker has not already interfered with an opponent.
No offside: the goal stands
The defender had time and control for a deliberate play, rather than a deflection or save. Their misdirected pass does not cause an offside offence here; there was no earlier interference.
Common misunderstandings
- “He was offside, so the flag should go up.” No. Position alone is not enough. The player has to get involved.
- “It came off a defender, so it cannot be offside.” It depends. A deliberate play by the defender resets it. A deflection or a save does not.
- “The flag was late.” Assistant referees often wait to see whether the player gets involved before raising it.
What happens next?
An indirect free kick is taken where involvement occurs, including in the player’s own half. An earlier offside interference is not erased by a later defender touch. A controlled deliberate play differs from a deflection or save.
What signal might you see?
The assistant raises the flag and the referee decides. Start with the basic Offside lesson to learn the position rule.
Check your competition
Check your competition’s written rules and edition. Adapted youth formats may differ. The selected website city does not change the match rules.
Make the call
One question. No score or account needed.
An attacker was offside at a teammate’s shot, then plays a goalkeeper save. What is the decision?
Sources and review
Rules edition: 2026/27 · Sources checked:
Prepared with AI assistance; checked against the linked rules. Simplified illustrations are teaching examples. AI transparency
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