One of the rules of soccer that causes the most confusion -- at least among those who are not unfamiliar with the sport -- is the offsides rule. The rule is used to help the defense and keep a flow to the game in order to prevent players from just sitting on one side of the field and wait for passes. However, one instance where there is no offsides is a throw-in.
The Offsides Rule
The offsides rule states that an attacking player must have two defenders between him and the goal, unless he has the ball or is behind the ball. One of those defenders is the opposing goalkeeper. A player controlling the ball can never be offsides. However, an attacking player must not be offsides before a ball is passed to him, or else the defensive team gets the ball.
Throwing the Ball Inbounds
In soccer, a throw-in happens when a player knocks the ball out of bounds. The ball is played in bounds by the opposing team throwing the ball back onto the playing field. On a throw-in, the player must bring the ball behind her head and both feet must be on the ground when the ball is released.
Offsides on Throw-In
According to the laws of the Federation Internationale de Football Association, there is no offsides call if the player receives the ball courtesy of a throw-in. However, for this to happen the attacking player must receive the ball directly from the throw. Once the ball is in play and another player touches it, that attacking player must return to an onside position before touching the ball.
Other Offsides Exceptions
In addition to throw-ins, there are two other plays in which there can be no offsides. One is a goal kick in which an attacking player knocks the ball beyond the goal line and the defensive team plays the ball back in. Another instance is a corner kick in which a defensive player knocks the ball beyond the goal line and an attacking player kicks the ball back in play from a corner of the field. A player cannot be offsides if he receives the ball on his own defensive half of the field.
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