What is offside in football?
B · Beginner · Offside · 5 of 17A player is in an offside position if, when a teammate plays the ball, any part of their head, body or feet is in the opponents' half and nearer the goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent (usually the last outfield defender). Being in that position is not an offence by itself. It becomes one only if the player gets involved in play.
How it works
- The moment that matters is when a teammate plays or touches the ball (the first point of contact).
- Count head, body and feet. Hands and arms do not count, for attackers or defenders, including goalkeepers. The arm starts at the bottom of the armpit.
- The player must be in the opponents' half. The halfway line itself counts as their own half.
- They must be nearer the goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. The goalkeeper usually counts as one of the last two.
- Level with the second-last opponent, or the last two, is onside.
- Being behind the ball when it is played is always onside.
Tricky cases
Is level onside?
Yes. A player level with the second-last opponent is not in an offside position.
Can you be offside in your own half?
No. Any part of the head, body or feet must be in the opponents' half, and the halfway line counts as your own half.
Does a hand or arm ahead of the defender count?
No. Hands and arms are not considered, for any player. The arm's upper limit is the bottom of the armpit.
What if the goalkeeper has come out and there is only one defender behind the attacker?
The second-last opponent can be any player, not only a defender. If the goalkeeper is up the field, the last two opponents might be two outfield players.
What about a defender who has run off the pitch?
A defender who leaves the field without permission still counts, as if standing on the goal line or touchline, until the next stoppage or until the defence has cleared the ball out of its penalty area towards the halfway line.
Why the rule exists
It stops attackers waiting by the goalkeeper for long balls. Without it, the game would become long kicks to a player camped in front of goal.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All football under the Laws | As above | L11.1 |
| Competitions with VAR or semi-automated offside technology | Close offside positions are checked with lines and tracking | L5.2; L Gloss (SAOT) |
| IFAB trials | Alternative offside ideas are being tested; not in force | L Notes (trials) |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 11.1 and 11.4, in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).