Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is a great game for kids to play because it promotes teamwork, fitness, and skill development.
Learning the basic rules of soccer is important for new players so they can fully participate in the game.
This article will explain the fundamental rules of soccer in simple terms so kids can quickly learn and start playing.
Summary
Rule | Description |
---|---|
The Field | Rectangular field called a pitch between 100-130 yards long and 50-100 yards wide. Marked with lines and circles. |
The Ball | Size 5 ball made of leather or suitable material. Inflated to 8-15 PSI. Inspected by referee. |
Number of Players | 2 teams of 11 players. One is a goalkeeper. Substitutes can replace players. |
Player Equipment | Jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards, cleats. Goalie has different shirt and gloves. |
Duration of Match | 90 minutes total. Two 45 minute halves with 15 minute break. |
Start of Play | Kickoff from center spot starts each half and restarts after goals scored. |
Scoring | Entire ball crosses goal line between posts and under crossbar. Most goals wins. |
Fouls and Misconduct | No kicking, tripping, charging, etc. Referee calls fouls and issues cards. |
Free Kicks and Penalties | For fouls. Direct free kick can score directly. Penalty kick from spot for foul in area. |
Offside | Can’t linger past last defender waiting for pass. Called if advantage gained. |
Throw-Ins | Taken from sideline by team who didn’t touch ball last. |
Goal and Corner Kicks | Goal kick from goal area after defensive touch. Corner kick from corner after attacker touch. |
Hand Balls | No deliberate handling except goalie in their penalty area. |
Owm Goal | If player puts ball in their own net, other team is awarded goal. |
After the summary, we can talk about the rules in detail.
The Field or Pitch
Soccer is played on a large rectangular field called a pitch. The length of the pitch must be between 100 yards and 130 yards.
The width is between 50 yards and 100 yards. The field is marked with several lines that define the areas of play. The halfway line divides the field into two equal halves.
A centre circle indicates the middle of the field. Goal areas in front of each goal define where the goalkeeper can use their hands.
All field lines help guide gameplay and player positioning.
The Ball
A size 5 soccer ball is used for most youth and adult matches. The ball must be spherical and made of leather or another suitable material. It should be inflated to 8-15 pounds per square inch to bounce and roll correctly. The referee inspects the ball before the match to ensure it meets regulations. If the ball becomes defective during a game, the referee will suspend play temporarily to bring out a replacement ball.
Number of Players
Standard soccer matches are played by two teams of 11 players.
One player on each team must be the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper wears a different color shirt and is the only player allowed to use their hands and arms.
The other players are outfield players.
Substitute players can come on the field to replace players during stoppages in play.
Common youth soccer games may involve smaller teams of 6 or 8 players per side.
Player kits
All players wear a jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards, and cleats.
Shin guards must be worn under the socks to protect the lower legs.
Cleats help provide traction on grass or turf fields. Goalkeepers wear a different color jersey than their teammates and opponents.
They also wear padded gloves to protect their hands and help catch the ball.
The referee checks players before the game to ensure their equipment meets requirements.
Duration of the Match
A standard soccer match lasts 90 minutes. It is divided into two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute break in between.
The clock runs continuously except for player injuries, substitutions, or other delays.
Youth games may involve shorter match times such as two 30-minute halves.
The referee keeps the official time and ends the game when time expires.
If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, overtime periods may be played or the game ends in a draw depending on the rules.
Start of Play
Play begins with a kickoff at the start of each half and after every goal scored.
The ball is placed at the center spot and the team that did not take the previous kickoff gets to take the kickoff. The player kicks the ball forward into the opponents’ half of the field.
All other players must be in their own half and the defenders must be outside the center circle until the ball is kicked. This kick starts the play.
Scoring
A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses over the goal line between the goal posts and under the crossbar. Goals can only be scored from the offensive half of the field.
The team that scores the most goals wins the match. If the teams score an equal number of goals, the match ends in a tie.
Own Goals
Sometimes a player will accidentally score a goal against their own team. This is called an “own goal.”
It occurs when a player tries to block or deflect the ball but ends up putting it into their own net. Own goals count as a goal for the opponent.
So if a defender accidentally knocks the ball into their own goal, the other team is awarded the goal. Own goals are fairly rare but can sometimes decide the outcome of a close match.
Players try hard to avoid scoring own goals, but they occasionally happen by accident.
Fouls and Misconduct
Rules prohibit players from kicking, tripping, charging, jumping at, striking, holding, pushing or excessively contacting opponents.
Dangerous slides or tackles from behind may also be considered fouls.
The referee calls fouls and awards free kicks or penalty kicks depending on the severity of the offense.
Yellow and red cards are used to discipline players for misconduct.
Two yellow cards or a direct red card results in the player being ejected from the match.
Free Kicks and Penalty Kicks
Free kicks are awarded for less severe fouls and infractions. Direct free kicks allow the player to shoot the ball directly at the goal.
Indirect free kicks must touch another player before going into the goal.
Penalty kicks are given for major fouls committed inside the penalty area.
They are taken from the penalty spot with only the goalkeeper defending.
Free kicks and penalties are excellent scoring opportunities.
Offside Position
Players cannot stay near the opponents’ goal waiting for long passes ahead of the last defender.
This is called offside. The attacking player must be even with or behind the second-to-last defender when the ball is passed.
The referee calls offside and awards an indirect free kick if a player tries to gain an advantage by lingering too close to the goal. This rule prevents goal hanging.
Throw-Ins
When the ball fully crosses a sideline, the other team is awarded a throw-in.
A player throws the ball in from directly over their head using both hands.
The thrower’s feet must stay on the ground and the ball must be released from behind and over their head.
Improper throws result in the ball going to the other team. Throw-ins quickly restart play.
Goal Kicks and Corner Kicks
Goal kicks are taken by the defending team after the ball crosses the goal line but no goal is scored.
The ball is kicked from anywhere inside the goal area. Corner kicks are awarded to the attacking team when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by a defender.
Corner kicks are taken from the nearest corner and allow the offense a chance to cross the ball in front of the goal.
Hand Balls
Players cannot deliberately handle the ball or carry it. The exceptions are the goalkeeper inside their penalty area and throw-ins.
The referee will call a hand ball foul if the ball touches a player’s arm or hand when it is away from their body or above their shoulder.
This restricts players from gaining an advantage by touching the ball with their hands or arms.
Conclusion
These basic rules shape the fast-paced, exciting game of soccer.
They create structures for fair gameplay and allow players to develop their skills.
Learning these fundamental rules is the first step to enjoying soccer as a fun recreational activity or competitive sport.
With proper kits, a suitable field, and referee supervision, kids can quickly apply these rules when playing soccer with their friends, at school, or on an organized team.