The Offside Rule

The offside rule in soccer prevents players from waiting near the opponent's goal for an easy scoring chance. A player is offside if they are closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender when the ball is played to them, unless they are in their own half. This rule encourages teamwork and strategic play, requiring players to time their runs carefully. Offside is only called when the player actively involved in the play, and the infraction occurs at the moment the ball is passed.