1. Offsides (11) U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Online Training Script:
Welcome to U.S. Soccer’s online training for the Grade 9 Referee Course.
Training for this course is specific to preparing officials for the small sided and recreational youth game.
This presentation focuses on Law 11 – Offside.
U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Grade 9 Referee Course
Small Sided and Recreational Youth Training

2. Position Offside position
Nearer to the opponent’s goal line than the ball
Nearer to the opponent’s goal line than the second to last opponent
Not in your own half of the field
Online Training Script:
A player is in an offside position when he or she is nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second to last opponent.
Nearer to the opponent’s goal line means any part of the player’s head, feet, or body, but not including the arms, is closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second to last opponent.
It is not a penalty in itself to be in an offside position.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
There are three elements required for a player to be in an offside position. Circled player is the one we are interested in.
First click – illustrates position of ball before it was kicked.
Second click – shows position of 2nd last opponent
Third click – inside of opposing penalty area so player is not in own half of field.

3. Offside Position is NOT a crime
Remember!!!!!
Offside Position is NOT a crime
Online Training Script:
In order for a player to be penalized for an offside offense, he or she must meet all of the following criteria.
He or she must be in an offside position at the moment the ball is touched played by a teammate, and, in the opinion of the referee, become involved in active play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Emphasize that merely being in an offside position is not an offense. There has to be more ….

4. To have an Offense All three factors must be present!
In an offside position
At the moment the ball touches a teammate
Become involved in active play (More on this later!)
Online Training Script:
In order for a player to be penalized for an offside offense, he or she must meet all of the following criteria.
He or she must be in an offside position at the moment the ball is touched played by a teammate, and, in the opinion of the referee, become involved in active play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

5. NO!!! Offside Offense? Yes Exceptions Goal Kick Corner Kick Throw In
Offside Position?
Goal Kick
Corner Kick
Throw In
Offside Offense?
Yes
NO!!!
Online Training Script:
Note that there is no offense if a player receives the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in or corner kick.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

6. Review Question
To be in an offside position, a player must be which of the following?
Nearer to the opponent’s goal line than the ball
Nearer to the opponent’s goal line than the second to last defender
In the opponent’s half of the field
All of the above
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

7. A THOUSAND TIMES NO!!!! Review Question
Should a player always be penalized for being in an offside position?
Yes No
A THOUSAND TIMES NO!!!!
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

8. Review Question
A player cannot be punished for being offside position if he or she receives the ball directly from which of the following?
Corner kick
Goal kick
Throw-in
All of the above
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points: