Offside(s)

I’m not sure if it’s offside or offsides.

It’s a curious rule. I mean, think about it. There are certain parts of the field (pitch) that certain players cannot be at certain times of the game when other certain players aren’t there with them.

Specifically, an offensive player receiving the ball, at the time the ball is passed their direction, must have two defenders between her and the opposing end line.

It’s restrictive.
It slows the game down.
It limits scoring.
It’s a rule that gives the defense a significant advantage.

Yes, but it also makes soccer more life-like.

Advancing. Scoring. Winning. Transforming. We kid ourselves when we believe that the rules of life are written to make these easier. The rules are not written on our behalf. Sure, some of us “luck” out. We get picked. We trip and fall on our dream. Those are the exceptions.

But the rules aren’t written that way; they’re written for the defense—the defenders of the status quo, the defenders of power-holders, gate-keepers, and investors. The rules are written to defend against changing the way things were (and always ought to be, by-golly).

Nobody is out looking to pick you, hire you, consult with you to come and turn things upside down, offer your genius, and transform things.

That’s your job.