When is an offside position judged?

An offside position is assessed at the precise moment the ball is played by a teammate. This is crucial because a player cannot be penalized for offside if they are in an offside position at any time other than when the ball is kicked or played by a teammate. The focus is on this exact moment because it determines whether the player is actively involved in the play or potentially gaining an unfair advantage by being positioned ahead of the defenders.

Understanding this timing is essential for referees to make accurate decisions during the game, as players may move freely thereafter, and their positions relative to the ball and opposing players can change significantly. Thus, offside is judged by the player's positioning relative to the ball at the moment it is played, not before or after that instant.