Soccer Rules Practice Exam

When a player is nearer to the opponent's goal than both the ball and the second-last opponent, what is the player called in soccer?

1. Hand ball

2. Sideline

3. Offside

4. Header

The correct answer is: Offside

The correct response identifies a situation known as "offside" in soccer. This rule is crucial because it aims to maintain fairness and promote teamwork by preventing players from gaining an unfair advantage by positioning themselves too close to the opponent's goal without the necessary opponents between them and the goal. According to the offside rule, a player is in an offside position if they are closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent at the moment the ball is played to them. This rule encourages players to time their runs effectively and fosters strategic play. The other terms in the options relate to different aspects of the game. A handball refers to an infraction when a player unintentionally or intentionally handles the ball with their hand or arm. Sideline is a term describing the boundary lines of the field, and a header is a technique used by players to hit the ball using their head. These terms do not pertain to the positioning of players in relation to the offside rule.