text: what is the offside rule ?   a player is in an offside position if, when the ball is played by a team-mate, they are nearer to the opposition's goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent.   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  you are level with or behind the team-mate who plays you the ball you are not actively involved in play  for any offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free-kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.