Is a player required to touch or play the ball to be judged offside?

A player is not required to touch or play the ball to be judged offside. The offside rule in soccer specifies that a player is deemed to be 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, provided they are involved in active play. It’s crucial to recognize that simply being in an offside position does not automatically result in a foul; the player must also participate in active play, such as touching the ball or interfering with an opponent.

This understanding clarifies that a player can be penalized for offside even if they do not make contact with the ball. The focus is on their position relative to the ball and the opposing players at the time the ball is played. Therefore, the response confirming that a player is not required to play the ball to be judged offside accurately reflects the laws of the game.