Laws of the Game Law 11- Offside

Elements of the Law While in an offside position, there are three things a player cannot do: interfere with play interfere with an opponent gain an advantage by being in the offside position

Additional Guidance - 2016 1. “Interfering with an opponent” In addition to the situations already outlined in the Laws of the Game, a player in an offside position shall also be penalised if they: • clearly attempts to play a ball which is close to him when this action impacts on an opponent or • makes an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball

Interfering with an Opponent Means preventing or impacts an opponent from line of vision or challenging an opponent for the ball. ‘impacts’ applies to an opponent’s ability (or potential) to play the ball and will include situations where an opponent’s movement to play the ball is delayed, hindered or prevented by the offside player.

Gaining an advantage by being in that position That rebounds or is deflected to him off the goalpost, crossbar or an opponent having been in an offside position That rebounds, is deflected or is played to him from a deliberate save by an opponent having been in an offside position A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent, who deliberately plays the ball (except from a deliberate save), is not considered to have gained an advantage.

Involvement in Active Play

Involvement in Active Play

Involvement in Active Play

Involvement in Active Play

Involvement in Active Play

Involvement in Active Play

Involvement in Active Play

Involvement in Active Play

Offside – Flag Technique If an assistant referee is not totally sure about an offside offence, the flag should not be raised. If the flag is not immediately seen by the referee, the assistant referee shall keep signalling until it has been acknowledged or the ball is clearly in control of the defending team.

Recommendations Appropriate running technique: Face the pitch whilst running side to side movement for short distances. Better line of vision

Niagara Soccer Association Respect and the Technical Area

Respect We are all concerned by the level of touchline abuse and irresponsible behaviour occurring in games. OSA Survey – 50% of young Match Officials responded – Abuse by coaches and spectators is a problem

Spectators and parents FEED off the coaches Respect Spectators and parents FEED off the coaches The Match Officials must: - Establish the standard - Be firm but respectful - Work with the team officials- before the game be clear on your expectations establish the “technical area” let them know you are there to help All communications to be done at a professional level – friendships aside for the moment Be early – check team colours, get the game sheet, the balls and ensure all is in order. Make sure that player’s equipment is safe (knee braces). Respect their need to be informed – no surprises!

Respect in The Technical Area What you can control…Sets the tone Your professionalism Arrive on time Your appearance Your readiness to officiate Pre-game duties – introductions, game sheets, ball inspection, player equipment Handling of the coin toss ceremony Start the game on time Be careful about what you say ...the coaches and teams are listening!

Respect in The Technical Area What is expected for the Technical Area If the area is not marked – set the boundaries Know the team compliment – game sheets Ensure only identified people are present Know who may give advice to players Identify where players may warm up Ensure proper dress – pinnies – is used in the technical area Identify the team trainer - Expectations should be clear. Answering questions before the game may eliminate frustrations later.

Respect in The Technical Area Implement a consistent approach to Management of the Technical Area Be available before the game and at half time Answer legitimate questions Help the coaches to understand the Laws Use your presence effectively Be seen to be fair to both teams Be a good listener but firm in your response Keep the conversation brief and respectful Availability – particularly important before the game and at the half. If the teams are on the field one of the match officials must be easily available Presence – Moving toward a team’s technical area or making eye contact and simple gestures may solve problems. Don’t enter into conversation unless it is needed. Try not to spend more time talking to one team and not the other. Do what needs to be done and then move away.

Respect Understand the different kinds of vocal disagreement Level 1 – Gamesmanship – Coaches trying to WIN a call in their favour - not persistent or continuous * Match Official response – ignore and play on Level 2 – Disruption of the game – Persistent and continuous disagreement * Match Official response - ASK – TELL – REMOVE Level 3 – Abuse of the Match official team – Foul or abusive language, name calling, threats of any kind * Match Official response – IMMEDIATELY Remove the coach(s) - tell them to leave the field of play. Do not restart the game until they have left the field.

Respect in The Technical Area When you must take action: Ask – Politely request that behaviour be modified Tell – Stop the game, inform the teams any further disruption will lead to Removal – follow thru on instructions Remove – Stop the game, remove the person that continues to act irresponsibly. Keep 10 metres of distance between you and the bench Do not restart the game until they have completely left Abandon the game if they do not leave in 2 minutes Watch for them to return after the game All ejections must be reported as a Special Incident

Respect in The Technical Area WE need your help…… Experienced senior officials must stop accepting bad behaviour and take the necessary action. Why? To show visible support for young officials Inaction may be seen as a sign of indifference Inaction will make it worse for less experienced officials.

Thank you!

Managing Game Assignments

Three Websites RefCentre – www.RefCentre.com Niagara Soccer League (NSL) OPDL / Ontario Cup / OYSL PSL / PVSL

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