This article is about basic laws of big-time football, without knowledge of which you should not enter the field. Football is becoming more and more popular every year, and even if you are not a big sports fan, it will also be useful for you to learn about football rules because they can be helpful to you, for example, when betting on sports – football predictions are now trendy and can bring you good money.
The official football rules are monitored by an organization with a rich history – the International Football Association (IFAB). Its board consists of eight people, four representing the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the rest from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales national football federations.
The latest edition of the football rules consists of 140 pages. It is naive to think that any professional player on the planet knows every line word for word or is at least familiar with the full text of the document – but this is optional to kick the ball according to all the game’s laws. For a substantive acquaintance with sports, it is enough to know the basic 17 rules – we briefly analyze them.
Field
It seems like you may have intended to include a link or reference to additional information about football field sizes and markings, but unfortunately, it is not provided in your message. If you have specific questions or if there’s a particular aspect of football field standards you would like to know more about, feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to provide information based on the knowledge available up to my last training cut-off in January 2022.
Ball
However, recognizing the different physical abilities and developmental stages of youth players, youth leagues often use smaller-sized footballs. These smaller balls, such as size 4 or size 3, are better suited for children in various age groups. Using a properly sized ball helps enhance the playing experience for young athletes, allowing them to develop their skills in a more age-appropriate manner.
Number of players
Your statement is accurate. In official adult football matches, each team consists of 11 players, including one goalkeeper. As per the Laws of the Game, a team must have a minimum of seven players (including the goalkeeper) on the field to continue the match. If a team falls below this minimum, the match may be abandoned or forfeited, depending on the rules of the competition.
For youth leagues, it’s common to have matches with smaller team sizes. This adjustment is made to suit the developmental needs and capabilities of younger players. Smaller teams can contribute to a more inclusive and developmental approach to the game, allowing each player more opportunities to be involved, develop their skills, and have a meaningful impact on the match. It also helps promote a positive and supportive environment for young athletes to learn and enjoy the sport.
Traditionally, FIFA tournaments allowed no more than three substitutions per game. Still, due to the pandemic, football’s governing body raised the limit to five – a norm stuck in many competitions. A football player can enter the field only in the area of the center line and only after the referee’s signal. We have already written about what will happen if the goalkeeper receives a red card.
Equipment
Your statement accurately describes the standard equipment requirements for soccer players and the role of the referee in enforcing these standards. Here’s a breakdown:
Jerseys: Players are required to wear jerseys, typically displaying a number and representing the team’s colors.
Shorts: Players wear shorts, usually matching the team’s uniform.
Shin Guards: Shin guards are mandatory for player safety, providing protection to the shin area.
Socks: Players wear socks, and it is essential that the socks cover the shin guards properly.
Cleats: Soccer cleats are worn for better traction and stability on the playing surface.
Gaiters: Gaiters or similar accessories must completely cover the shin guards. This ensures that the shin guards offer proper protection.
The referee is responsible for checking the compliance of each player’s equipment with these standards before the teams enter the field. If, during the match, the referee observes any issues with a player’s equipment, they have the authority to instruct the player to leave the field until the problem is corrected. This emphasis on equipment standards helps maintain fairness, safety, and uniformity in the game.
Referee
The referee is the boss on the field, and his word is law. Arguing with the referee can result in a warning or even an expulsion.
Assistant referees
Assistant referees assist the referee in areas where he may have difficulties. They determine the offside position, can tell who the ball left the field from, and who violated the rules. They move along the sidelines and have a better view of what is happening at the edges of the playing space.
Match duration
A standard football match consists of two halves of 45 minutes, each of which is supplemented with injury time at the discretion of the referee – the referee determines the amount, taking into account delays such as substitutions and assistance to injured people. The halves of the match are separated by a break not exceeding 15 minutes.
Starting and resuming the game
Before the start of the match, the referee arranges a game of “Heads or Tails” with the team captains – the winner chooses between the preferred side of the field or the right to kick the ball from the center. In the middle of the match, the opponents change halves and the team that did not do this before the first half introduces the game equipment. After each goal, the victims resume the meeting from the center of the field.
Ball in and out of play
The ball is out of play when it crosses the end or sideline completely. The same happens if the referee stops the match for any reason. The battle continues if the game projectile hits the goal frame and returns to the field. If the ball hits the referee, he must stop the game and give the ball to the team in possession.
