Soccer, also known as football in many countries, is the most popular sport in the world. With millions of fans and players, soccer has a rich history and a set of rules that make it the unique and exciting game that it is today.
In this article, we will cover the basic rules of soccer, from the number of players on the field to the fouls and penalties that can be called.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the sport or a seasoned player in need of a refresher, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the basic rules of soccer.
Objective of the Game
The objective of soccer is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar.
The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, the game may end in a draw or proceed to extra time or a penalty shootout, depending on the competition rules.
Number of Players
Each soccer team consists of 11 players, including a goalkeeper. The goalkeeper is the only player who is allowed to touch the ball with their hands and only within the penalty area.
All other players must use their feet, legs, torso, and head to touch the ball. Teams can make substitutions throughout the game, but only when the ball is out of play and with the permission of the referee.
Ball In and Out of Play
The ball is considered in play when it is within the boundaries of the field of play and has not crossed any of the lines marking the field or the goal line.
The ball is out of play when it has completely crossed any of the lines marking the field of play or the goal line, regardless of whether it was touched by a player or not.
When the ball is out of play, the game is restarted with a throw-in, corner kick, or goal kick, depending on which team touched the ball last before it went out of play.
The ball must also be thrown in a straight line and must not be thrown too far. If the throw-in is not taken correctly, the referee will award a throw-in to the opposing team.
Handling the Ball
Players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands or arms, except for the goalkeeper within their penalty area.
This rule is called handling the ball and results in a free kick for the opposing team if committed by an outfield player.
The goalkeeper can use their hands within the penalty area but only to catch the ball from a shot on goal or to pick it up from the ground with their feet.
Fouls/Misconduct and Free Kicks
Fouls occur when a player commits an infraction of the rules, such as tripping, pushing, or tackling an opponent.
A free kick is awarded to the opposing team when a player commits a foul outside of the penalty area. A penalty kick is awarded to the opposing team when a player commits a foul inside the penalty area or handles the ball.
Free kicks and penalty kicks are taken from the spot of the foul and provide the opposing team with an opportunity to score without any players from the defending team between the ball and the goal.
In addition to free kicks, the referee may also issue a yellow or red card to a player who has committed a serious foul or misconduct. A yellow card is a warning, while a red card results in the player being sent off the field for the remainder of the game.
Referees
The game is governed by the referee and two assistant referees, who make decisions on fouls, offsides, and goals.
The referee has the final decision on all calls and can use their discretion to make decisions such as awarding yellow or red cards for unsportsmanlike conduct or awarding a corner kick instead of a goal kick if they believe the ball went out of play off the defending team.
The assistant referees help the referee by providing information on the location of the ball and players, as well as signalling for offsides and indicating when the ball has completely crossed the goal line for a goal.
Offside Rule
The offside rule is a crucial aspect of soccer and aims to maintain a fair balance between offense and defence. Offside is a rule that restricts a player’s ability to be in an area of the field when the ball is passed to them.
It is meant to prevent a player from receiving the ball in an advantageously positioned area. The rule states that a player must have at least two opponents between themselves and the goal line when the ball is passed to them.
The rule applies to attackers and defenders alike. If a player is in an offside position when the ball is passed to them, the referee will award a free kick to the opposing team.
Goal Kicks
A goal kick is a method of restarting play after the ball has gone out of bounds over the goal line. The goal kick is taken by the team who did not touch the ball last before it went out of bounds. The ball must be placed in the centre of the goal area and must be kicked by the goalkeeper.
The ball must leave the penalty area before any other player can touch it. If the goal kick is not taken correctly, the referee will award a goal kick to the opposing team.
Corner Kicks
A corner kick is a method of restarting play after the ball has gone out of bounds over the goal line. The corner kick is taken by the team who did not touch the ball last before it went out of bounds. The ball must be placed in the corner of the field and must be kicked by one of the players.
The ball must leave the penalty area before any other player can touch it. If the corner kick is not taken correctly, the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team.
Penalty Kicks
A penalty kick is a method of restarting play after a foul has been committed in the penalty area. The penalty kick is taken by the team who was fouled. The ball must be placed in the centre of the penalty area and must be kicked by one of the players.
The ball must leave the penalty area before any other player can touch it. If the penalty kick is not taken correctly, the referee will award a penalty kick to the opposing team.
Duration of the Game
A standard soccer game consists of two halves of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute halftime break in between. The time of the game is kept by the referee and can be stopped for injuries, substitutions, and other reasons at their discretion.
If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, the game may end in a draw or proceed to extra time or a penalty shootout, depending on the competition rules.
Conclusion
Soccer is a sport that has captivated millions of fans and players around the world. From the number of players on the field to the offside rule, the basic rules of soccer ensure that the game is played fairly and with a balance between offense and defence. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding these rules is essential to enjoying the game and playing it at your best.