Soccer rules: The complete guide to the game

Soccer is a universal sport that brings together millions of people around the world. To fully appreciate this exciting game, it's essential to understand its fundamental rules. This comprehensive guide will take you through the different rules of soccer, from the basics to the most complex aspects.

Soccer basics

The field of play

The soccer pitch is a rectangle measuring between 100 and 110 meters long and between 64 and 75 meters wide. Exact dimensions may vary slightly depending on the competition. The pitch is divided into two halves by a median line, with a 16.5-meter-wide penalty area at each end. There is also a central circle with a radius of 9.15 meters for kick-offs.

The ball

The soccer must have a circumference of 68 to 70 cm and weigh between 410 and 450 grams. It is generally made of leather or synthetic materials and is designed to withstand the conditions of play.

Players and their equipment

Each team is made up of 11 players, including a goalkeeper. The other players are divided into defenders, midfielders and forwards, depending on the formation chosen by the coach. Basic equipment includes a jersey, shorts, socks, shin pads and shoes suited to the conditions on the pitch. Goalkeepers wear gloves and additional protective clothing.

Start and duration of play

The game begins with a kick-off from the center of the pitch. The team that wins the toss chooses which side of the field it will defend, and the other team takes the first kick-off. The game is played in two 45-minute halves, with a 15-minute break in between. According to soccer rules, the referee may add extra time at the end of each half, depending on interruptions in play.

In direct elimination matches, if the score is tied at the end of regulation time, the teams can go into extra time. Overtime consists of two periods of 15 minutes each, with no break in between. If the score is still tied at the end of extra time, the match continues with a penalty shoot-out.

In the regular season, the final score of the match at the end of regulation time is used to establish a ranking. Victories count for 3 points in the standings, while draws count for 1 point, in which case overtime is not played.

In the penalty shoot-out, each team chooses five shooters to attempt to score from the penalty spot. The teams alternate shots, and the first team to score more goals than the other, after five attempts, wins the match. If the score remains tied after these five shots per team, the penalty shootout continues with further alternating attempts until one team takes the lead.

Important rules in detail

Offside

A player is in an offside position if, at the moment the ball is passed to him, he is closer to the opponent's goal line than the ball and the penultimate opponent. According to soccer rules, offside is penalized by an indirect free kick awarded to the opposing team.

Set-pieces

Set-pieces include free kicks, corners (for balls that have left the goal line after touching a defender) and goal kicks (for balls that have left the goal line after touching an attacker).

Touching the ball

Touches are awarded when the ball leaves the sidelines. The player taking the touch must keep both feet on the ground and throw the ball with both hands from behind the head.

Free kicks and penalties

Free kicks can be direct (the ball can go straight to the goal) or indirect (the ball must touch another player before scoring), according to the rules of soccer. Penalty kicks are awarded for fouls committed in the penalty area and are taken from the penalty spot, 11 meters from the goal.

Rules for infringements and penalties

Infractions committed during a soccer match can be classified into different categories, depending on their seriousness. They include dangerous physical contact, unsportsmanlike behavior and violations of the rules of the game. Penalties can range from a simple free kick to the expulsion of a player, as well as warnings in the form of cards.

1. Types of fouls punished

Fouls in soccer includeDangerous physical contactDangerous physical contact, such as violent charging or tackling with the feet forward.Unsportsmanlike behaviorsuch as simulations to deceive the referee or repeated challenges. andTechnical infringements deliberately touching the ball with the hand or interfering with the restart of play.

2. The yellow card

The yellow card is a warning given to a player for behaviour or offences deemed serious but not expellable. A second yellow card in the same match automatically results in a red card, and therefore the player's expulsion.

The yellow card is given for several types of offence, includingUnsportsmanlike behaviour. such as simulation, attempts to deceive the referee or vehement protests.
ForDelays in play such as intentionally stalling or delaying the restart of play.
TheRepeated fouls, when a player commits several fouls without correcting them, despite the referee's warnings.
But alsoleaving or entering the pitch without the referee's authorization.

3. The red card

The red card results in the immediate expulsion of the player and is used for particularly serious offences. Once expelled, the player can no longer be replaced and his team plays with one less player. (Except when playing for Argentina).

The main reasons for a red card areDangerous play or violent conduct. This includes intentional blows, dangerous tackles endangering the opponent's physical integrity.
Theviolent gestures or behaviour such as punching, shoving or aggressive behavior towards a player or official, as well as any language or behavior deemed disrespectful.

In game action, the following are liable to red cardspreventing an obvious goal-scoring opportunityfor example, touching the ball with the hand or committing a foul while being the last defender. or whentwo yellow cards in the same match, resulting in an automatic red card.

4. Free kick or penalty kick?

The type of kick awarded depends on the area of the pitch where the offence is committed.

A free kick is awarded when the foul is committed outside the penalty area. A free kick can be direct (a goal can be scored directly) or indirect (the ball must be touched by another player before scoring).

Free kicks are awarded for various offences committed outside the penalty area. Situations where a free kick is awarded include :

• Dangerous charges or foul tackles outside the penalty area.
• Deliberate handball by a player (other than the goalkeeper) outside the penalty area.
• Obstruction Obstruction: when a player prevents an opponent from moving without attempting to play the ball.
• As well as repeated fouls orunsportsmanlike behaviorsuch as challenges or inappropriate gestures.

There are two types of free kick:

• Direct free kick A goal can be scored directly from the kick.
• Indirect free kick Another player must touch the ball before a goal is scored. It is often awarded for minor offences such as offside or dangerous play without contact.

• Penalty Penalty: Awarded when a foul is committed inside the defending team's penalty area. The penalty gives the player the chance to shoot directly at goal from the penalty spot, with only the goalkeeper to beat.

More severe disciplinary sanctionsIn addition to yellow and red cards, disciplinary sanctions can include suspensions for several matches, fines, or even bans from taking part in competitions for a specified period, depending on the seriousness of the offence.

Special game situations

VAR (video-assisted refereeing) works as follows:

1. Game phase The match proceeds normally.
2. Intervention The referee or VAR signals an incident for review.
3. Video review Incidents are reviewed by video assistant referees.
4. Consultation The main referee consults the images if necessary.
5. Final decision The referee makes the final decision after the review.
6. Announcement Announcement: The decision is communicated to the players and the public.

VAR helps correct obvious errors to ensure fair play.

When a player is injured during a soccer match:

Interruption of play The referee stops play to allow treatment.
Assessment Doctors examine the player to determine the severity of the injury.
Treatment Treatment: Treatment may be administered on the pitch, or the player may be evacuated.
Substitution Substitution: If necessary, a substitute enters the field, substitutions permitting.
Resumption of play Resumption of play: The match resumes once treatment has been completed.

The priority is to ensure the player's safety while limiting interruptions to play.

When a soccer match is stopped due to bad weather, here's what usually happens:

Temporary interruption The match is suspended and the players retire to the changing rooms.
Assessment of conditions Conditions are checked to decide whether the match can resume.
Resumption of match If conditions improve, play resumes where it left off.
Match postponement If conditions do not allow resumption, the match is postponed to another date.

The safety of players and spectators comes first.

VAR helps to correct obvious errors to ensure fair play.

Role of the referee and his assistants

The referee is responsible for enforcing the rules of soccer, judging fouls and awarding appropriate penalties. He is assisted by two assistant referees (or linesmen) who help to detect offsides and fouls that occur outside the main referee's field of vision. In top-level competitions, a fourth referee and a video referee (VAR) may also be present to help make decisions.

Advanced rules and tactics

Advanced soccer rules include aspects such as the management of extra-time play and penalty kicks in the event of a tie after regulation time. Teams use complex tactics, such as pressing, possession play and varied formations, to maximize their chances of success. Coaches analyze their opponents' strengths and weaknesses to adapt their strategies accordingly.

The coach's role is to get the players in the dressing room to coexist through a common philosophy. The coach sets up a group philosophy and a playing philosophy that will enable the team to maximize its potential, with the aim of going as far as possible in competitions. This philosophy depends on the different individuals in the group.

The captain acts as a relay for the coach on the pitch, giving tactical adjustments to his team-mates during matches. His role is also to federate the team and to be the "guarantor" of good understanding within the group.

History and evolution of soccer rules

Soccer rules have evolved since the game's first forms in the 19th century. The first formal rules, laid down by the Football Association (FA) in 1863, marked the beginning of the codification of the sport. Since then, the rules have been adjusted to improve the game, such as the introduction of modern offside, the professionalization of referees, and the use of technology to aid decision-making.

Soccer continues to evolve, with regular adjustments to reflect changes in the game and meet the needs of players and spectators alike. Whether you're a player, coach or spectator, understanding these rules will enrich your soccer experience.

Here is a selection of our Netsportique products:

Soccer equipment

Soccer goal

Soccer ball

Soccer training equipment

This guide is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the rules of soccer and help you to better enjoy this magnificent sport. Whether you're a beginner or an enthusiast of the game, a good knowledge of the rules is essential to enjoy every match and understand the subtleties of soccer.