Is it about time we went back to the old offside rule so we all know where we stand? If I recall correctly the change came about because players were getting flagged offside even if lying injured in the oppos half. Or were slow getting back after being involved in a heavy tackle. If these genuine occurrences were excepted and the players concerned didn't suddenly make a miraculous recovery, we would have a fairer offside rule. My feeling is anyone on the pitch is interfering with play if an opposition player has to be out of position to watch him. If you aren't interfering with play you shouldn't be on the pitch.
Nothing wrong with the rule as it stands, the problem is the number of inept match officials who don't understand it.
The thing is RF, the rule as it stands is open to the Ref and linesmans interpretation. We have all seen people given offside that weren't interfering with play and others who clearly were interfering not being given off. It may be the betting man in me also thinking it gives the officials license to actually decide games.
The problem's associated with the "old rule" were hoped to be corrected by the incertion of "in the opinion of the referee" & associated changes in the hope of improving the intention of the rule. However as is often the case it doesn't always go completely according to plan. Offside position It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position. A player is in an offside position if: ⢠he is nearer to his opponentsâ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent A player is not in an offside position if: ⢠he is in his own half of the field of play or ⢠he is level with the second-last opponent or ⢠he is level with the last two opponents Offence A player in an offside position is only penalised if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by: ⢠interfering with play or ⢠interfering with an opponent or ⢠gaining an advantage by being in that position No offence There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from: ⢠a goal kick ⢠a throw-in ⢠a corner kick
The one I've always wanted is that as soon as a goal has been scored the other team can kick off as soon as the ball is returned to the centre spot to restart from a stationary ball. That would soon stop all the celebration bull **** that goes on & on & on & on........
I was away last week & so didn't get to see the results. I'll trust you this time if you say I took out the wooden spoon
Use any rule you want let play continue and have the forth official review for infractions, simples. How can the egg chasers have had this for years and footie still bumbling on, the ability to influence the match outcome is the only answer I return too. I know I'm paranoid, don't mean they're not after me! Edit : didn't mean infarctions, although there were probably some when Ji scored!
