⚑ IFAB Law 11 — Offside
Sideline parents, coaches, commentators, even referees — we love you, but you've been getting this wrong. The Laws of the Game say offside. No "s." Let's fix that.
The Actual Rule
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) writes the Laws of the Game — the official rulebook followed worldwide. Law 11 is titled simply: "Offside." No "s." Never has been.
A player is in an offside position if any part of the head, body, or feet is in the opponents' half and nearer to the opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent. Being in an offside position is not an offense in itself — it only becomes one when a player becomes involved in active play at that moment.
So next time someone yells "Offsides!" — show them this page. Kindly.
"Offside" — always singular. It is a position, a condition, a call. It is never a plural noun.
Being offside is not an offense. A player must be in an offside position and involved in active play for the assistant referee to flag.
The assistant referee raises the flag. The referee stops play. The correct phrase: "Offside." One word. Done.
IFAB publishes the Laws of the Game annually. Law 11 has been titled "Offside" since the very beginning.
Wear the Correction
Spread the word without saying a word. Wear it to games, practices, watch parties — anywhere someone is about to say "offsides."
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