
The Rules of Soccer: A Beginners Guide
- 1. The field of play must be rectangular and have clearly marked boundary lines ...
- 2. The ball must be spherical and made of suitable material ...
- 3. There can be a maximum of 11 players on one team ...
- 4. There are 5 pieces of equipment that every player is required to wear ...
What are the basic guidlines of soccer?
This is the essentials of what you need to know about determining the outcome of the game:
- A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts, and under the crossbar.
- The team scoring the greater number of goals in the game is the winner.
- If both teams score no goals or an equal number of goals, the game is drawn.
What are the fundamental rules of soccer?
What are the 5 basic rules of soccer?
- No Hands, please. I bet you knew that one.
- Throw-ins. A throw-in is taken when the ball crosses a sideline and leaves the field.
- Corner Kicks & Goal Kicks.
- Fouls.
- Direct and Indirect Free Kicks.
- Penalty Kick.
- Two-touch Rule.
What were the original soccer rules?
- Pushing with the hands was allowed, but not kicking or tripping.
- Running with the ball in the hands was not allowed.
- The ball could be caught if it had not touched the ground.
- The ball could also be pushed on with the hand.
- There were no offside rules. ...
- There was no limit on the number of players, or the size and shape of ball.
What are the requirements for playing soccer?
- Core Course Requirement – Each high school has a list of approved NCAA Core Courses (more info here ). ...
- Core Course GPA – The NCAA does not use your entire high school transcript for determining your GPA. ...
- NCAA Sliding Scale – The NCAA typically uses a combination of your GPA, SAT or ACT test scores in determining your eligibility. ...

What are the 5 basic rules of soccer?
Here's the short and simple soccer rules you need to know as a parent.No Hands, please.I bet you knew that one. ... Throw-ins.A throw-in is taken when the ball crosses a sideline and leaves the field. ... Corner Kicks & Goal Kicks.More items...
What are the 17 rules of soccer?
Currently there are 17 specific key items that determine the rules of soccer: Field of play, the Ball, Number of Players, Player's Equipment, Referee, Assistant Referee, Duration of Match, Start and Restart of Play, Ball In and Out of Play, Scoring, Offsides, Fouls and Misconduct, Free Kicks, Penalty Kicks, Throw In, ...
What are the rules of soccer game?
All players must use their feet head or chest to play the ball. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands, and only within their designated goal area. The aim of the game is to score a goal, which is achieved by kicking or heading the ball into the opposition team's goal.
What are the 10 basic rules of football?
What are the most important rules of football?Catch Rule.Fumble Rule.Overtime Rules.Downs Rules.Replay Rules.Point after Conversion Rules.Safety Rules.Targeting Rule.More items...
What is not allowed in soccer?
The following actions are not allowed in soccer and will result in a foul call: Kicking an opponent. Tripping. Jumping into an opponent (like when you are going for a header) Charging into an opponent.
What is the first rule of soccer?
The original rules of soccer follow. 1. The maximum length of the ground shall be 200 yards, the minimum breadth shall be 100 yards, the length and breadth shall be marked off with flags; and the goals hall be defined by two upright posts, 8 yards apart, without a tape or bar across them.
How many soccer rules are there?
17 lawsSoccer has 17 laws or “rules” by which the game is played. Most of these laws are easy to understand. The laws are designed to make soccer fun, safe, and fair for all participants.
What's a foul in soccer?
A foul is an unfair act by a player, deemed by the referee to contravene the game's laws, that interferes with the active play of the game. Fouls are punished by the award of a free kick (possibly a penalty kick) to the opposing team.
How do you win in soccer?
In the sport of soccer, teams work together to score goals to win the game. A goal is scored when the ball fully crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. A goal is worth one point in a soccer match, regardless of where it is scored.
What's the most important rule in soccer?
Offside is perhaps one of the most important rules in soccer. It keeps the game from being unfair, as a player could play a long through ball to a teammate past a line of defenders and be almost guaranteed a goal.
How long is a soccer game?
Soccer Rules: Length of Game and Timing A typical professional soccer match will consist of two periods each 45 minutes long with a half-time of 15 minutes. Each soccer league may have different times. Youth leagues will generally have shorter periods.
Can you say leave it in soccer?
If a player uses language such as mine, I got it or leave it and it prohibits an opposing player from going for the ball. Then the referee can then either give the player a warning or book them with a showing of a yellow card.
How many soccer rules are there?
17 lawsSoccer has 17 laws or “rules” by which the game is played. Most of these laws are easy to understand. The laws are designed to make soccer fun, safe, and fair for all participants.
What are the 9 major fouls in football?
Major fouls include: handling the ball, kicking-striking-tripping-holding-grasping-pushing-charging (any non-sporting behaviour) with an opponent intentionally. An indirect kick is awarded for a minor foul. The fouled player passes to a teammate before a shot on goal may be taken.
What does MC mean in soccer?
As central midfielders often go across boundaries, with mobility and passing ability, they are often referred to as deep-lying midfielders, play-makers, box-to-box midfielders, or holding midfielders. There are also attacking midfielders with limited defensive assignments. GK. CB. CB.
What does AC mean in soccer?
AC = Athletic Club (English), Associazione di Calcio (Italian) AFC = Association Football Club.
How many rules are there in soccer?
Updated April 23, 2019. Every year, soccer's international governing body revises and updates their rule book, known as the "Laws of the Game.". These 17 rules govern everything from how fouls are defined to the type of uniforms that players may wear.
How many players are on the field in a soccer game?
A match is played by two teams. Each team may have no more than 11 players on the field at any one time, including the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team has fewer than seven players. Other regulations govern player substitutions and penalties for too many players on the field.
What is the job of a soccer referee?
In professional soccer, there are two assistant referees whose job it is to call offsides and throw-ins and help the referee make decisions. Carrying a flag to signal their observations, assistant referees, or linesmen as they are commonly known, must monitor the sidelines and goal lines and flag if the ball goes out of play, signaling which team the goal kick or throw-in should be awarded to.
What is the role of a referee in a game?
The referee has the full authority to enforce the laws of the game and all decisions are final. The referee ensures that the ball and players' equipment meets the requirements, acts as timekeeper, and stops play for infringement of the laws, among several other duties.
How much does a soccer ball weigh?
The ball, as used by ages 12 and above, may not weigh more than 16 ounces and not less than 14 ounces at the start of a match.
What happens when a player is offside?
The law states that if a player is in an offside position when the ball is played to him or touched by a teammate, he may not become actively involved in the play. Revisions to rules include provisions defining penalties for a player who commits an infraction while offsides.
Why does a referee play added time?
A referee may play added time because of substitutions, assessment of injuries, removal of injured players from the field of play, time wasting, and any other cause. An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules state otherwise. 8. The Start and Restart of Play.
What Are The Rules of Soccer?
There are 17 official Laws of the Game. Each law is divided into separate subcategories. The 17 Laws of the Game are as follows:
What Is The Yellow Card In Soccer?
If a player receives 2 yellow cards, it equates to a red, resulting in the player being ejected from the game.
How many laws are there in soccer?
The rules of soccer are maintained by the international soccer organization FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) and consist of 17 Laws of the game.
What rules do goalkeepers have to wear?
Goalkeeper must wear a different color shirt. Rule 5 - Referees One per game. Controls the game. All referee decisions are final. Rule 6 - Linesmen Two linesmen assist referee by indicating offsides, which team receives possession when ball is out of play, and which team is entitled to a corner kick.
How far from the ball do you have to be from the ball to kick off?
Each team must be in its own half of the field during kickoff and defending players must be at least ten yards from ball (outside of center circle) until it is kicked. After a goal, the team scored upon kicks off.
How far away from the ball is a corner kick?
The defending team must be at least 10 yards from the ball until it is kicked. There is no offsides on a corner kick.
What are the rules for kicks and misconduct?
Rule 12 - Fouls and Misconduct A player who intentionally attempts to , or actually: a) kicks, b) trips, c) jumps at, d) charges violently, e) charges from behind, f) strikes, g) holds, h) pushes, or i) intentionally touches the ball with their hands or arms shall be penalized by the awarding of a direct free kick (see Rule 13) to the opposing team. Any one of these nine offenses committed in the penalty area will result in a penalty kick (see Rule 14) being awarded. Less flagrant offenses, such as offsides, dangerous play, obstruction, or unsportsmanlike conduct, will result in an indirect free kick.
What size soccer ball is used for U13?
In youth soccer, ball size is adapted by age group (size 3 for U6-U8, size 4 for U9-12, and size 5 for U13 and up).
What is the rule for free kicks?
Rule 13 - Free Kicks Free kicks are awarded for violations cited in rule 12. They are classified in two categories: a) Direct Free Kicks, from which a goal can be scored directly against the offending team, and b) Indirect Free Kicks, from which the ball must touch another player other than the kicker before entering the goal. The offending team must be at least 10 yards from the ball on all free kicks.
How many players are on the field at a time in a soccer game?
If the game is still tied, the process is repeated except one round at a time. 2. Positions. Eleven players are on the field at a time in any given soccer game. Each one of these players has a position which gives them special responsibilities.
How to avoid fouls in soccer?
If you want to avoid committing fouls, try to play without being too aggressive or dangerous. Fouls may result in a direct or indirect free kick, depending on how severe the penalty was. Direct free kicks can go straight into the goal, and indirect has to touch a teammate before going into the goal. If a foul occurs inside the 18 yard box, then a penalty kick is awarded, meaning the player has a direct free kick from the penalty spot with only the goalkeeper. Fouls can be a game changer in a soccer game, so you should try and avoid them.
What is a corner kick?
7. Corner Kicks. A corner kick occurs when the ball goes out of bounds on either goal line, and the offense has possession of the ball. In this instance, an offensive player kicks the ball from the corner and tries to pass to a teammate. On corner kicks, players all pack into the box and wait for the ball.
What is the meaning of goal kicks?
6. Goal Kicks. A goal kick occurs when the ball goes out of bounds on either goal line, and the defense has possession of the ball. This means that the last player to touch the ball was on offense. During a goal kick, the ball is placed on the 6 yard box, and a player kicks the ball. 7.
What is a soccer field?
The Field. A soccer field is a large rectangle of grass or turf, with goals on either end. The ball must stay in bounds or there will be a throw in, goal kick, or corner kick. There is a half line, an 18 yard box, and a 6 yard box. There is also a dot called the penalty spot where penalties are taken from.
What does it mean when soccer uses a running clock?
Soccer uses a running clock, meaning that the time does not stop when the play does. However, at the end of each half, there is stoppage time. This is time that the referee adds up during each half accounting for time missed for injuries and other stoppages.
Why is soccer so popular?
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world mostly due to how easy it is to play. All you need is a ball, and you are good to go.
Who decides the rules of soccer?
The game of soccer’s official laws are decided on and maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Each year they reassess the rules of soccer and release a document covering every little detail of what should and shouldn’t be happening.
How far must you be from the ball in soccer?
Until the ball is in play, all opponents must remain at least 10 yds (9.15 m) from the ball. 14. A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits an offence in their penalty area. A penalty kick is one of the most exciting set-pieces in a soccer game, as it is a great opportunity to score a goal.
What equipment do soccer players need?
There are 5 pieces of equipment that every soccer player is required to wear during a game. They are: a jersey with sleeves.
What is the field of play in soccer?
In the rules of soccer, the field of play is the surface that the soccer game is played on. The rules say that it can be a natural (grass) playing surface, an artificial playing surface, or a hybrid of both, and it must be rectangular and have clearly marked boundary lines.
Why is the length of a soccer game reduced?
Though be aware that if you are watching or participating in a youth soccer game, the game’s length is often reduced to compensate for the young age of the players.
How many sections are there in soccer?
The rules of soccer are broken down into 17 sections. Each section lays out the requirements for a specific area of the game. The rules must be followed precisely during a professional soccer game but are often adapted slightly at youth or recreational level games.
How many players are on a baseball field?
A game is played by two teams, each with a maximum of eleven players on the field at one time.
Who enforces the rules of the game?
The referee enforces the rules of the game. There is a center referee and an assistant referee on each side of the field.
How many yards can a goalie use?
The goalkeeper can only use their hands in their 18-yard box.
How far is the ball from the goal for a penalty kick?
Fouling an opponent in your defensive 18-yard box results in a penalty kick for the opponent. For a penalty kick, the ball is placed on the dot 12 yards from the goal.
What happens when a ball hits the referee?
If the ball hits the referee and changes possession or crosses the goal line , a drop ball is awarded to the team who had possession before the contact.
How many seconds does a goalie have to pick up the ball?
The goalkeeper can pick up the ball in the run of play, but only in their 18-yard-box. Once the goalkeeper picks up the ball, they have six seconds to put it back into play.
What happens if the opposition commits a foul?
If the opposition commits a foul, the referee might decide to let play continue – they will call advantage and direct their arms forward.
What is substitution in football?
Substitutions are when a team switches a player from the bench with a player on the field.

The Field of Play
The Soccer Ball
- The circumference of a soccer ball must not be more than 28 inches (70 centimeters) and not less than 27 inches. The ball, as used by ages 12 and above, may not weigh more than 16 ounces and not less than 14 ounces at the start of a match. Other guidelines cover replacement balls used during a match and what to do if a ball is defective.
The Number of Players
- A matchis played by two teams. Each team may have no more than 11 players on the field at any one time, including the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team has fewer than seven players. Other regulations govern player substitutions and penalties for too many players on the field.
The Players' Equipment
- This rule outlines the equipment that players may and may not wear, including jewelry and clothing. A standard uniform consists of a shirt, shorts, socks, shoes, and shinguards. Revisions to the rules include a ban on the use of electronic communications equipment.
The Referee
- The refereehas the full authority to enforce the laws of the game and all decisions are final. The referee ensures that the ball and players' equipment meets the requirements, acts as timekeeper, and stops play for infringement of the laws, among several other duties. The rules also outline proper hand gestures for signaling rulings.
Other Match Officials
- In professional soccer, there are two assistant referees whose job it is to call offsides and throw-ins and help the referee make decisions. Carrying a flag to signal their observations, assistant referees, or linesmen as they are commonly known, must monitor the sidelines and goal lines and flag if the ball goes out of play, signaling which team the goal kick or throw-inshould be awarde…
The Duration of The Match
- Matches consist of two 45-minute halves with a halftime interval of no more than 15 minutes. A referee may play added time because of substitutions, assessment of injuries, removal of injured players from the field of play, time wasting, and any other cause. An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules state otherwise.
The Start and Restart of Play
- The soccerrule book outlines in detail the procedures for starting or restarting play, also known as a kick-off. The opening kick-off of the match is decided by a coin toss. All players must be on their respective sides of the field during the kick-off.
The Ball in and Out of Play
- This section defines when the ball is in play and out of play. In essence, the ball is in play unless it has rolled across the goal line, the touchline, or the referee has stopped play.
Determining The Outcome of A Match
- Goals are defined as when the ball completely crosses the goal line unless a foul has been committed by either side in the course of scoring. Policies are made for penalty kicks as well. Rules have been added to govern instances when the goalie commits a penalty.