What is Offside?
A player is in an offside position if:
• They are in the opponent's half of the field
• They are closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball AND the second-last opponent
When is Offside Called?
Being in an offside position is not an offense. It only becomes an offense when:
• A teammate plays or touches the ball
• AND the offside player becomes involved in active play by:
- Interfering with play (touching the ball)
- Interfering with an opponent
- Gaining an advantage from being in that position
Not Offside
You cannot be offside:
• In your own half
• If level with the second-last opponent
• If level with the last two opponents
• Directly from a goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in
Semi-Automated Offside Technology
The 2022 World Cup introduced semi-automated offside technology using:
• 12 tracking cameras under the stadium roof
• Ball sensor technology
• AI to generate 3D animations