Off the ball

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Off the ball (or OTB) is a term used in football in England, usually associated with a players movement when not in possession of the football. It can also be used for incidents that happen not involving the ball, like a fight or a late challenge.

If a referee does not see an OTB incident, then his assistant referee or linesman closest to the incident will inform him, usually using a buzzer that the referee has strapped on to his upper arm to get his attention first. Then the Linesman will inform the referee of what happened and the referee will act accordingly to the laws of the game, possibly sending the involved player off or more likely booking him (unless it is violent conduct resulting in a straight red card).

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