World Cup Primer: Understanding Soccer Rules and Terminology

My daughter has played soccer for over 16 years. It's been a sport of choice in our home and we've really come to love the game. From thrilling goals to intense shoot-outs, soccer provides excitement even in low scoring games. If you're watching the World Cup for the first time and having difficulty understanding the rules of soccer, we're here to help. This World Cup primer will outline the 17 rules of soccer from Laws of the Game which were implemented in December, 1863.

The 17 Rules for Soccer from the Laws of the Game

Rules for Soccer Number 1: The field of play for a soccer match typically measures between 100 and 130 yards in length and 50 to 100 yards in width. These are the minimum and maximum measurements allowed for a soccer field. International soccer matches such as the World Cup have a field of play that measures 110 to 120 yards in length and 70 to 80 yards in width.

Rules for Soccer Number 2: The ball used must have a circumference of 68 to 70 centimeters and weigh between 410 and 450 grams. Each World Cup presents a new ball design but always stays within these parameters. The 2010 World Cup introduced the "JABULANI" ball. The word jabulani means "to celebrate" in isiZulu.

Rules for Soccer Number 3: The number of players on the field for each team consists of 10 players and one goalkeeper. Positions include striker or forwards, mid-fielders, sweeper, stopper, and full backs.

Rules for Soccer Number 4: The necessary equipment needed by a player includes a shirt, shorts, soccer cleats, shin pads and socks. The two teams must wear different color clothing to differentiate between the two teams.

Rules for Soccer Number 5: Typically the center referee makes the calls for all infractions on the field and is supported by two sideline referees. A fourth referee is in charge of injury time-outs and their duration.

Rules for Soccer Number 6: The assistant referees are placed on each of the sidelines (or touch lines). They are there in a supporting role. Assistant referees can flag a foul but it has to be called by the center ref.

Rules for Soccer Number 7: A soccer match will last 90 minutes of play (45 minutes for each half with a 15 minute break in between) plus injury overtime. If a game is tied, teams will play two 15 minute overtime periods if needed until one team scores. If after two overtime periods the score is still tied, this results in a penalty shoot-out. A shoot-out consists of each team selecting five players going one-on-one against the opposing goalie. Each team will have five back-up players in case the score is still tied after the initial shoot-out.

Rules for Soccer Number 8: The start and restart of play consists of eight different ways. These include a kick-off to start the game; a kick-off after one team scores; a throw-in after one team kicks the balls out of bounds; a goal kick when an opposing team kicks the ball out of bounds past the goal lines; a corner kick if the defending team is the last to kick the ball out of bounds past the goal lines; an indirect free kick when a foul or offside penalty is called. Another player must touch the ball before it can be kicked as a goal; a direct free kick when a foul such as a hand ball occurs. This kick does not have to touch another player before it can be kicked as a goal; penalty kick when a foul is called within the penalty area - defined by markings on the field. A penalty kick is a one-on-one play between the goalie and an opposing player; and a dropped ball if the referee stops play for any reason. To restart the game he takes two opposing players and drops the ball between them to begin action.

Rules for Soccer Number 9: A ball must stay within the bounding markers to remain in play. If the ball crosses outside these marks, it is considered out of play. Substitutions can only occur when the ball is out of play.

Rules for Soccer Number 10: To score a goal in soccer, a ball must cross the goal line entirely to be considered a goal. This can occur during normal play, a penalty or direct kick.

Rules for Soccer Number 11: The offside penalty call is one of the most controversial calls in soccer and has taken on many different interpretations. The best description to explain this is when an offensive player not in possession of a ball is closer to the goal than one of the defending players (but not the goalkeeper).

Rules for Soccer Number 12: Understanding the difference between fouls and misconduct falls on the referee. A foul occurs during competition and is unintentional. Misconduct is a willful act by a player to an opposing player such as kicking, pushing, hitting, etc. Depending on the infraction, a yellow card may be issued as a warning. If the misconduct was serious enough a red card will be given causing immediate expulsion from the game. If a player accumulates two yellow cards, they are removed from the game. Any team receiving a red card will play down a player for the remainder of the game.

Rules for Soccer Number 13: When free kicks are taken, opposing players must stand at least 9.15 meters (or 10 feet) away from the player taking the kick.

Rules for Soccer Number 14: Penalty kicks occur when a foul happens inside the penalty box. The penalty kick is taken by one player. All other players must remain outside the box and cannot move inside the box until the penalty kick has been taken.

Rules for Soccer Number 15: A throw-in occurs when a ball has crossed the sideline. The team that did not kick the ball out of bounds takes the throw in. A player must keep both feet on the ground and throw the ball entirely over the thrower's head.

Rules for Soccer Number 16: A goal kick must pass completely outside the penalty box or else if has to be retaken.

Rules for Soccer Number 17: When a corner kick is taken, opposing players again must be 9.15 meters (or ten feet) away from the player taking the kick. A goal can result directly from a corner kick. Additionally, the kicking player must place the ball in the corner arc on either side of the goal prior to taking the kick.

There you have the rules of soccer and an explanation of how the game is played. Now amaze your family and friends with your soccer knowledge while watching those exciting World Cup games.

Sources:
www.soccer-fans-info.com/soccer-rules.html
www.fifa.com
www.goal.com