SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-offside-position-not-offence

Is it against the rules just to stand in an offside position?

No. It is only an offence when the player gets involved in active play.

Start playing free

  1. Yes, always
  2. Only for the goalkeeper
  3. No, only if they get involved in play ✔

Why: Being in an offside position is not an offence by itself. A player is only penalised when involved in active play, such as playing the ball or interfering with an opponent.

Huh, didn't know that: Interfering with an opponent includes clearly blocking the opponent's line of vision.

The dad joke
Why did the striker stand perfectly still? He wanted to stay out of trouble, not out of position.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: No, only if they get involved in play. Being in an offside position is not an offence by itself. A player is only penalised when involved in active play, such as playing the ball or interfering with an opponent.

  1. IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 11 Offside www.theifab.com/laws/latest/offside
    It is not an offence to be in an offside position.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessCan a player be in an offside position while standing in their own half?Sports & FitnessAn attacker is exactly level with the second-last defender when a team-mate passes. Offside position?Sports & FitnessA player receives the ball straight from a throw-in while behind every defender. Is that offside?

That's stuff everyone should know.