Kick Your Way to Victory: 2025 Soccer Rules Practice Exam Extravaganza!

To be considered 'onside' in soccer, a player must be level with the last defender when the ball is played to them. This means that, at the moment the ball is passed, the player's feet must not be ahead of the last opponent (excluding the goalkeeper) to avoid being penalized for offside.

This rule is designed to encourage attacking play and prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by goal-hanging near the opponent’s goal. If a player is behind the last defender or level with them at the time the ball is kicked, they are onside and can legally participate in the play. Understanding this aspect of the offside rule is crucial for players and fans alike, as it is a fundamental part of how the game is structured and officiated.

The incorrect options refer to various scenarios that do not adequately define being onside. Being behind the ball, for example, does not necessarily mean a player is onside, as they could still be in an offside position relative to defenders. Staying within the center circle or returning to the halfway line are not relevant to the offside rule and do not pertain to a player's position in relation to the defenders and the ball.