Rules of Soccer Game
Soccer, known as football outside North America, is the world’s most popular sport, played by over 250 million people in more than 200 countries. The game is governed by a set of rules, known as the Laws of the Game, which are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Here, we delve into the 17 essential rules that define how soccer is played.
1. The Field of Play
Soccer is played on a rectangular field called a pitch. The length of the pitch must be between 100-130 yards (90-120 meters), and the width must be between 50-100 yards (45-90 meters). For international matches, the length is stricter: 110-120 yards (100-110 meters), and the width is 70-80 yards (64-75 meters).
The field is marked with boundary lines, a halfway line, a center circle, penalty areas, and goal areas. Goals are placed at the center of each goal line, with the width of the goal being 8 yards (7.32 meters) and the height being 8 feet (2.44 meters).
2. The Ball
The ball must be spherical, made of leather or another suitable material, and have a circumference of 27-28 inches (68-70 centimeters). It must weigh between 14-16 ounces (410-450 grams) and be inflated to a pressure of 8.5-15.6 psi (600-1100 grams/cm²).
3. The Number of Players
A soccer match is played between two teams, each consisting of no more than 11 players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A minimum of seven players is required for a match to start or continue. Substitutions are allowed, with the number varying by competition, but typically up to three may be made.
4. The Players’ Equipment
Players must wear a jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards, and footwear. The two teams must wear colors that distinguish them from each other and the match officials. Goalkeepers must wear colors that distinguish them from other players and the officials.
5. The Referee
The referee is the authority on the field, responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game. The referee’s decisions are final and include starting and stopping play, awarding free kicks and penalties, and disciplining players with yellow or red cards.
6. The Assistant Referees
Two assistant referees (formerly called linesmen) assist the referee by signaling when the ball is out of play, offside, and other infringements. They also help with substitutions and can provide input on decisions the referee may have missed.
7. The Duration of the Match
A standard soccer match consists of two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime break. The referee may add time at the end of each half to compensate for stoppages, known as injury time or stoppage time. In knockout competitions, if the score is tied, extra time (two 15-minute halves) and, if necessary, a penalty shootout may be used to determine the winner.
8. The Start and Restart of Play
Play begins with a kickoff at the center of the field. The team that wins the coin toss chooses which goal to attack or takes the kickoff. The opposing team takes the kickoff to start the second half. After a goal, the team that conceded restarts play with a kickoff.
9. The Ball In and Out of Play
The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or touchline, whether on the ground or in the air, or when the referee stops play. The ball is in play at all other times, including when it rebounds off a goalpost, crossbar, or corner flag and remains on the field.
10. The Method of Scoring
A goal is scored when the whole of the ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided no infringement has occurred. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. If the score is tied, the match is a draw unless a winner must be determined, in which case extra time or penalties are used.
11. Offside
A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played to them. Being in an offside position is not an offense unless the player is involved in active play by interfering with play, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage by being in that position.
12. Fouls and Misconduct
Fouls are penalized with a direct free kick, indirect free kick, or penalty kick, depending on the nature and location of the offense. Common fouls include kicking, tripping, charging, striking, pushing, and holding an opponent. Misconduct, such as unsporting behavior, dissent, or excessive celebration, is punished with a yellow card (caution) or red card (sending off).
13. Free Kicks
Free kicks are awarded for fouls and misconduct. A direct free kick allows a goal to be scored directly, while an indirect free kick requires the ball to touch another player before a goal can be scored. The opposing team must be at least 10 yards (9.15 meters) from the ball until it is in play.
14. The Penalty Kick
A penalty kick is awarded for a direct free kick offense committed by the defending team inside its own penalty area. The ball is placed on the penalty spot, 12 yards (11 meters) from the goal line, and all players except the kicker and the goalkeeper must be outside the penalty area and at least 10 yards from the ball.
15. The Throw-In
A throw-in is awarded when the ball crosses the touchline. The throw is taken by a player from the team that did not touch the ball last. The player must throw the ball with both hands from behind and over their head, with both feet on or behind the touchline.
16. The Goal Kick
A goal kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line, last touched by an attacking player, without a goal being scored. The kick is taken by any player from the defending team from anywhere within the goal area. The ball must leave the penalty area before it is in play.
17. The Corner Kick
A corner kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line, last touched by a defending player, without a goal being scored. The kick is taken from the corner arc nearest to where the ball went out. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.
Additional Considerations
While the 17 Laws of the Game provide the framework for soccer, there are additional considerations and interpretations that referees and players must be aware of:
- Advantage Rule: The referee may allow play to continue if the team against which an offense has been committed will benefit from the advantage.
- Handball: Handling the ball deliberately is a foul, but accidental handball is not penalized unless it leads to a goal or an immediate scoring opportunity.
- Dangerous Play: Actions considered dangerous, such as high kicks near another player’s head, are penalized with an indirect free kick.
- Obstruction: Impeding the progress of an opponent without making contact is penalized with an indirect free kick.
- Goalkeeper Restrictions: The goalkeeper cannot handle the ball outside the penalty area or pick up a deliberate pass from a teammate with their hands.
Conclusion
Understanding the rules of soccer is essential for players, coaches, referees, and fans alike. The Laws of the Game ensure fair play and consistency across all levels of the sport. While the basic rules are straightforward, the nuances and interpretations can be complex, adding depth and excitement to the beautiful game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a new fan, a solid grasp of these rules will enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of soccer.
