A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opposition’s goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent.

But before you think that sounds clear enough there are plenty more things to remember.

You can’t be offside if: • you receive the ball directly from a goal kick, a throw-in or a corner
• you are in your own half of the pitch
• you are level with the second last or last two opponents

Still think that you are following the rule?

A player who is in an offside position will only be penalised if the referee believes that he/she is:
• Interfering with play
• Interfering with an opponent
• Gaining an advantage by being in that position

And it is the interpretation of the above that causes the confusion.

The six clickable scenarios on the right should make things clearer.