THE BASICS

I have been asked, many times over the past few weeks, to post the Basic Rules of the Game.  The following list demonstrates just how easy it is to understand and follow this exciting sport.  All that is required is to come for one game and you will gain an understanding of "The Number One Sport in the World".

Basic Soccer Rules

Basic Soccer Rules: Soccer is one of the most simplest sports in the world. This may be the reason why it's the most popular sport in the world. Here you will find the basic soccer rules to play the game. The rules even at the professional level they are quite simple. FIFA, International Federation of Football, holds the official rules to the game.

 

Size of The Field:
Length: minimum 100 m (110 yds)
maximum 110 m (120 yds)
Width: minimum 64 m (70 yds)
maximum 75 m (80 yds)

Players: soccer is played by two teams of equal number. Max players per team is 11 (Goalie + 10 field players).

 

Substitutions: Officially, you are only allowed 3 subs per game.  A substitution can only be performed when the ball is not in play and your team has possession. (Ex) it's a throw in for your team, or goal kick for your team. Substitutions cannot be made when the ball is in play (even if your goalie has the ball in his hands.. this is still in play)

 

Starting the Game:The game is started at the center of the field. The team who kicks off passes the ball Forward to a teammate at the referees signal. The opposing team is not allowed to enter the center circle until the team kicks off.

Game in play:as long the ball stay in the field the game is in play, only exceptions is when the referee blows his whistle for an infraction or offside. The ball is considered in play as long as it is in side the goal and side lines. Furthermore, it's still in play as long as it has contact with the line. Therefore, the ball may be touching the outer part of the goal or side line and still be considered in play (This applies if the ball is in the air as well). contact with the goal post, corner flag, and referee back in the field is still considered in play. The referee is considered a fixture of the field.

 

GOAL: In the basic soccer rules the point of the game is to get the ball in the opposing teams goal and the team with the most goals after the specified time is the winner. The ball must cross the goal line to be a goal.

 

How long is a game? A game is 90 min long. Two halves of 45 min (with a 15 min half time break)

 

NO HANDS!  Only the goalie can use their hands. The definition for "hand ball" is any part of between your fingers (including nails) to your upper arm. Your shoulder is actually legal to use! One side note about goalies. the goalie is not allowed to use their hands if the ball was kicked intentionally by any of their team mates.

 

Out of Bounds: if the ball crosses the side line it is a throw in. The team who did not touch the ball last before the ball crossed the line gets the throw in. If the ball crosses the goal line two things may occur. If the team that is defending that goal line touches it out it is a corner kick. If the team attacking that goal kicks it out it is a goal kick.

Soccer is very simple and very enjoyable, but remember>>>Down here it is referred to as:   Futbal.