Soccer is all about how to score a goal and win the match. It sounds easy in the soccer game but actually, it is complex because players have to follow the rules and each player should play according to the rules set by FIFA. In this article, we are discussing the Soccer offside rule. Among the rules, offside is the most controversial among the players and sometimes players are not satisfied with decisions given by the match official.
Actually, the offside is set to restrict the attackers from standing in front of the last defenders of the opponent. When the attackers receive the ball in front of the last defenders is considered offside and the goals scored are considered roll out. The soccer offside rule is set to create the game of fairness. But sometimes they have issues while deciding the offside when the game is in the rush and the lineman cannot see properly. In order to solve this problem, a new way of solving this complexity, Video Assistant referee came out to check and replay the match.
I. The Basics of the soccer Offside Rule
The offside rule prevents the goal from hanging and ensures that the player has scored the goal based on the position he scored. The scorer cannot be in front of the last defenders of the opponent and if the goal score or receive the ball in front of the last defenders of the opponent team is considered offside.
The players should be positioned ahead of the ball. But there are changes in the offside, as FIFA declared that, until and unless the offside should be rolled out only when the player’s body is clearly positioned in front of the last defenders.
II. Evolution of the Offside Rule
Soccer offside rule was introduced in football for a long time. The root of the origin of offside can be traced back to the early form of football in the 19th century. The offside rule has been codified many times since it was introduced.
The offside rule originated in 1863 and one of the major changes was made in the year 1866 with the introduction of the “three-player rule”. As the rule was considered offsides only if the three players of the opposing side were in front of the player including the goalkeeper. It meant that it was not considered offside if there were three defenders in front of the forwards.
There were some changes made in the year 1925. In this rule, it is considered offside if the two players (defenders) of the opposing team are in front of the player including the goalkeeper. Another change was made in 1990, in this rule it was considered offside only if one defender of the opposing team was in front of the forward.
III. Soccer offside Rule Controversies
The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in football has completely transformed how offside decisions are made. While intended to reduce errors, VAR has introduced a new layer of controversy. VAR can dissect plays to millimeter precision, leading to tight offside decisions that might not have been caught before. Moreover, the delay caused by VAR reviews can affect the flow of the game and dampen the spontaneous celebrations of fans and players alike.
Advantages of soccer offside rule.
1. The offside rule is to maintain fairness and Integrity in the game.
2. The offside rule gives more position to defenders to trap the opponent player in an offside position.
2. The offside rule forces the player to develop new skills of passing, timing, and awareness.
3. It creates more space in the midfield and attacking zones for the team in possession
Disadvantages of soccer offside
1. One of the criticisms of the offside rule is leads the game into disruption and destroys the smoothness of the by delaying the game.
2. It is difficult to determine if a player is in an offside position or not, especially in a quick attacker.
3. The offside rule has disrupted the spirit of attacking by breaking down chances of goal-scoring.
Conclusion
Soccer offside rule has a lot of controversies among the fans, players, and coaches about the balance and fairness in the game. In order to make decisions with fairness, a new method of checking the offside has been introduced, that is Video Assistant referee( VAR).
With the introduction of VAR, it really gives the correct decision by replaying the previous action of the game. VAR provides more accuracy in deciding the offside position of the players.