SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-offside-own-half
Can a player be in an offside position while standing in their own half?
No. Part of the player must be in the opponents' half.
- No, never in their own half ✔
- Yes, anywhere on the field
- Only inside their own penalty area
Why: A player can only be in an offside position if part of their head, body or feet is in the opponents' half. The halfway line itself does not count as the opponents' half.
Huh, didn't know that: A player standing exactly on the halfway line is treated as still in their own half for offside.
Why do defenders love the halfway line? It's where offside stops being their problem.
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References
Answer: No, never in their own half. A player can only be in an offside position if part of their head, body or feet is in the opponents' half. The halfway line itself does not count as the opponents' half.
- IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 11 Offside www.theifab.com/laws/latest/offside
any part of the head, body or feet is in the opponents' half (excluding the halfway line)
Checked 2026-10-12.
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