Offside
Rules & RegulationsA rule stating a player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played to them.
Related Terms in Rules & Regulations
Aggregate
The combined score of two games (legs) played between teams in a knockout tournament (home and away).
Advantage
A clause in the rules that allows the referee to let play continue after a foul if stopping play would benefit the team that committed the foul.
Throw-in
A method of restarting play when the ball has gone out of bounds over the touchline (sideline). Must be thrown with two hands over the head.
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Latest Youth Soccer News and Articles
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Play Club Soccer Staff
A parent's guide to understanding the tiered leagues in U.S. girls' youth soccer, from ECNL to recreational leagues.
Guide to the New MLS Next Divisions: MLS Next Homegrown and MLS Next Academy Divisions Explained
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A clear breakdown of the different divisions within MLS NEXT, explaining the homegrown player rule and the academy structure.
Youth Soccer Birth Year vs School Year Change Explained
August 1, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
The age group cut-off date is moving from a January 1st birth year to an August 1st school year system.