An offside (formerly off-side) rule is a part of many field sports, including most versions of football and ice hockey. Until recently field hockey also had a similar rule.

In general, such a rule makes it an offence to join the action from too far upfield and to gain an advantage by loitering in the vicinity of an opponent's goal in the hope of a long ball. It is generally believed that such loitering would damage the enjoyment of the game of both spectators and players.

See:

• Offside law in association football (soccer).
• Offside law in rugby league and rugby union.
• Offside rule in ice hockey.

The offside rule in field hockey was eliminated in 1996. There is a wide perception that it has improved the game and that the feared tactic of goal hanging has, in general, failed to materialise.

External links

• Perceived effects of eliminating offside in Hockey