No rule in soccer creates more controversy—or stirs up more fans, players and coaches—than the offside rule. It's not a simple rule! But once you understand the language of this rule, it's actually fairly easy to call.

First, make sure you understand the definition of offside. A player is in an offside position when nearer to her opponents' goal line than the ball, and when nearer to the goal line than at least two defenders. When a player is in her own defensive half, or when a goal kick, corner kick or throw-in has not yet been touched by another teammate, that player is not offside.

Next, understand that a player is not to be penalized simply for being in the offside position. That player has only committed an offside violation if she's in the offside position at the moment the ball touches or is played by a teammate, and if she interferes with play or with an opponent, or gains an advantage by being in that position.

The penalty for offside is an indirect free kick, usually at the spot of the infraction.

Click Next to apply the offside rule in seven different game situations.