Soccer Rules Practice Exam

When can a player be called for offside in soccer?

1. When a player uses their hands to play the ball

2. When a player passes the ball backwards

3. When a player is behind the last defender and involved in active play

4. When a player commits a foul in the penalty area

The correct answer is: When a player is behind the last defender and involved in active play

A player can be called for offside when they are in an offside position at the moment the ball is played to them and are involved in active play. Being behind the last defender usually puts a player in an offside position, as they may gain an unfair advantage when the ball is played. The key aspect is that they must be actively involved in the play, such as interfering with an opponent or gaining possession of the ball. In contrast, using hands to play the ball relates to rules concerning goalkeepers or fouls, rather than offside. Passing the ball backwards does not result in an offside call, as offside only applies when a player is nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent (usually the last outfield player) at the moment the ball is played forward. Lastly, committing a foul in the penalty area deals with different infractions and does not pertain to offside positioning or involvement.