The Laws of the Game
Knowing the laws and Understanding the laws of the game are two different things.
Yes, they are called "Laws" and not "Rules".
If you are truly interested in learning details about this wonderful game,
I strongly recommend that you visit FIFA's official website for a detailed explanation
of the "Laws of Football."
Right Click here to download a pdf guide to these rules: Fifa Laws
There is more to the 'Laws' than just these simple words:
But, here is a quick "cheat sheet" for you:
LAW 1. The FIELD of play.
-Is rectangle...it must be longer than wider.
(Actual diminsions will vary greatly throughout most leagues pitches)
LAW 2. The BALL.
-Is a sphere.
LAW 3. NUMBER of Players.
-A team cannot have more than eleven players on the field at anytime one of which will be the goalkeeper.
LAW 4. Players EQUIPMENT.
-Shall not wear anything that is dangerous to themselves or others.
LAW 5. REFEREES.
-Authority begins when they arrive at field and ends when they leave field.
LAW 6. ASSISTANT REFEREES.
-Assist the Referee.
(Once upon a time, these guys were called "linesmen")
LAW 7. DURATION of the game.
-Played in two equal time periods called a "half."
LAW 8. The START of Play.
-With a place-kick from the center spot...ball rotates forward.
LAW 9. Ball IN and OUT of play.
-When it has entirely crossed the goal or touchline.
LAW 10. Method of SCORING.
-Ball wholly crosses over goal line, under cross bar and between posts.
LAW 11. OFFSIDE.
-Must have two players between self and goal at the time of the pass.
(The most difficult rule of football to understand, but vital to know in order to understand the nuances of defensive and offensive strategies)
Click Here for an interactive guide from FIFAOffside Graphic
LAW 12. FOULS and MISCONDUCT.
-Nine Major Infractions: Result--DIRECT FREE KICK...
(Hand)--Holding, Pushing, Striking and Handling the ball.
(Body)--Violent or dangerous charge, charging from behind, jumping at opponent.
(Feet)--Kicking, tripping.
INDIRECT
FREE KICK...
-Caution (yellow card):
In the opinion of the Referee --persistently infringes the Laws of the Game. -Ejection (red card):
In the opinion of the referee - is guilty of violent or serious foul, using foul or abusive language, persists in misconduct after having received a caution.
LAW. 13. FREE KICKS.
The kicker may score -Goal from a direct free kick (Major infraction).
-Goal may not be scored from an indirect free kick (All other infractions).
--Unless the ball is played or touched by another player of either team.
LAW 14. PENALTY KICK.
-Direct Free Kick resulting from a player inside own penalty area intentionally committing any of the nine major offenses.
LAW 15. THROW-IN.
-Restart play after ball has passed entirely over the touchline.
LAW 16. GOAL KICK.
-Restart play after ball has passed entirely over the goal line and was last touched by the attacking team.
LAW 17. CORNER KICK.
-Restart play after ball has passed entirely over the goal line and was last touched by the defending team.
LAW 18. COMMON SENSE:
SOCCER is a GAME! ENJOY!!!