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Making an offside call is impossible!
January 12, 2009 | Water Cooler | Add a comment
Referees have been criticized by coaches, players, and fans time and time again because of an offside call. A wrong offside call can make or break a team during a game. That’s why referees have to be “on the ball” when making such an important call. Guess what? It’s actually impossible to make an offside call according to science!
Eye accommodation is the process by which the eye changes focus from an object that is far away to one that is very close. Now this happens in a split second, usually around 350 to 600 milliseconds with excellent eye sight. Since the offside rule involves the position of the player in relation to the ball being played, which by the way can happen at any time, anywhere on the field, referees perform eye accommodation almost all the time.
However, a player can move a good enough distance in the time it takes a referee’s eyes to refocus. So how can a referee watch the ball at the time it is kicked, the position(s) of attacking player(s), and the position(s) of defending player(s) all at the same time?
In reality, the only way to accurately call an offside play is to stop time. Since freezing time is not available at the moment, I guess we can’t blame the referees for making a bad call!
Do you think FIFA should introduce the option of “video replay”? Please leave your comments below!
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7 Commentators
They should have replays!! YES! Each team gets 3 replays per game. The game DOES NOT STOP while reviewing the replay. Replay officials must not take more than 2 minutes in overturning a call and only if the replay leaves NO DOUBT shoud it overturn a call.If the replay overturns the call. Since you do not stop the game while review is taking place then no harm done in review, if the call was clearly erroneous then play goes back – even if there was a goal scored.
I could only feel bad for the US and ENGLAND for being totally screwed during the world cup… Every one saw the mistakes time and time again in the stadium. Why not stop the game correct the mistake and then go on?On August 14, 2010 Willie Locatelli said
The referee can concentrate on players standing in offside and waiting the ball to be played, either acoustically (killed by vuvuzelas this time) or visually (registrating fast movement at the edge of the visual field is pretty good). There is no need for constant re-accomodation.
On June 27, 2010 Roger said
No they do not need video as that would be called on too frequently they need to get ride of the offside call as it now stands.
On June 17, 2010 John said
Offsides is even questionable in the MLS. Check out this video: http://www.mlsnet.com/quickkicks/index.jsp?page=index&c=QuickKicks&p=501296&s=5018820&i=536266
of D.C. United’s goal. Santino Quaranta takes a shot 30 yards out, and it looks like Christian Gomez just barely touches it… but is he on or offsides? It looks different from each camera angle.On May 18, 2009 Danie said
I don’t see how replay’s would work. Would they stop a game completely just to review a call? I could see maybe if a controversial goal was scored. But I don’t see it being used for anything else. Interesting article though!
On January 12, 2009 Mike V said
maybe like hockey they can have a “review booth” where if its a close call the booth can call down and hold up play to review it
On January 12, 2009 Jake said
Now that’s interesting! I think for high level games, like the world cup etc. They should definately allow coaches to have a “time-out” to watch a replay. Maybe to restrict it, only allow coaches one replay per half?
On January 12, 2009 Danie said
