Football Rules and Regulations: Full Guide

What Are the Football Rules?

The rules of football, officially called the Laws of the Game, are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which includes FIFA and the four British football associations. The laws are revised annually and published in a single document that is translated into over 200 languages. They are designed to keep the game fair, safe, and enjoyable, and they apply to all matches, from local youth games to professional leagues. While some leagues may add their own competition-specific rules (e.g., number of substitutions allowed), the core 17 laws are universal.

The 17 Laws of the Game

These are the fundamental rules every player, coach, and fan should know. Here are the key points of each law, simplified:

The Field of Play: The pitch must be rectangular, with touchlines longer than goal lines. Standard dimensions range from 90–120 m (100–130 yds) long and 45–90 m (50–100 yds) wide. Markings include the center circle, penalty area, and corner arcs.
The Ball: It must be spherical, made of leather or similar material, with a circumference of 68–70 cm (27–28 in) and a weight of 410–450 g (14–16 oz) at the start of a match.
The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of 11 players, including one goalkeeper. A match cannot start or continue if a team has fewer than 7 players.
The Players’ Equipment: Players must wear a shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards, and footwear. The goalkeeper must wear colors that distinguish them from both teams and the referee.
The Referee: The referee enforces the laws, keeps the time, and has the authority to stop or abandon the match for rule violations. Their decisions are final.
Other Match Officials: Assistant referees (linesmen) and the fourth official assist the referee, but the referee has the final say. In professional matches, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) may also be used.
Duration of the Match: A standard match lasts 90 minutes, played in two 45-minute halves, with a half-time interval of up to 15 minutes. The referee may add stoppage time for substitutions, injuries, and other delays.
Start and Restart of Play: A coin toss decides which team kicks off. Play is restarted with a kick-off at the start of each half and after a goal, and with a dropped ball in other situations.
Ball In and Out of Play: The ball is out of play when it fully crosses the goal line or touchline, or when play is stopped by the referee. It is in play at all other times, even if it hits the goalposts or corner flags.
Scoring a Goal: A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided no offense has been committed. The team scoring more goals wins.
Offside: A player is offside if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played to them. They are only penalized if they become involved in active play.
Fouls and Misconduct: Direct free kicks are given for serious fouls like kicking, tripping, or handball. Indirect free kicks are for less serious offenses. Yellow cards warn, red cards send off.
Free Kicks: Direct free kicks allow a goal to be scored directly against the opposing team. Indirect free kicks require the ball to touch another player before a goal can be scored.
The Penalty Kick: A penalty kick is awarded when a defending player commits a direct free-kick offense inside their own penalty area. It is taken from the penalty mark, 11 m (12 yds) from the goal, with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The Throw-In: When the ball goes out over the touchline, the opposing team is awarded a throw-in. The thrower must face the field, use both hands, and deliver the ball from behind and over their head.
The Goal Kick: When the attacking team plays the ball over the goal line, the defending team restarts with a goal kick from inside the goal area. The ball must leave the penalty area before being touched by another player.
The Corner Kick: When the defending team plays the ball over their own goal line, the attacking team is awarded a corner kick from the corner arc nearest to where the ball went out.

How the Rules Are Enforced

The referee is the sole authority on the field. They can issue yellow cards (caution) or red cards (dismissal) for misconduct. A yellow card is a warning; a second yellow leads to a red. A red card means the player must leave the field and cannot be replaced. Referees also use advantage—allowing play to continue when the team fouled benefits, rather than stopping for a free kick. In professional matches, VAR assists with clear and obvious errors regarding goals, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken identity.

Common Misconceptions

One of the most misunderstood rules is offside. Many fans think a player is offside simply because they are behind the last defender, but the position is only judged at the moment the ball is passed, and the player must be actively involved in play. Another misconception is that a goalkeeper can handle the ball anywhere in the penalty area—they cannot handle a deliberate back-pass from a teammate. Also, a player cannot be offside from a goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in.

How to Learn the Rules

The best way to learn is to read the official IFAB Laws of the Game, which are available free online. You can also watch matches with the rules in hand, or take a basic referee course. Many local football associations offer free or low-cost introductory sessions. For quick reference, there are mobile apps that summarize the laws, but always check the official IFAB document for the most accurate and up-to-date version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a goal be scored directly from a throw-in?

No. A throw-in that goes directly into the opponent’s goal does not count as a goal; it results in a goal kick for the defending team. Similarly, a throw-in directly into your own goal results in a corner kick for the opposition.

What is the difference between a direct and indirect free kick?

A direct free kick allows you to score a goal directly against the opposing team without the ball touching another player. An indirect free kick requires the ball to touch another player (from either team) before a goal can be scored. The referee signals an indirect free kick by raising one arm.

Is a player offside if they are level with the last defender?

No. A player is not offside if they are level with the second-last opponent (which is usually the last defender) or level with the last two opponents. Being level means not ahead of them.

What happens if a team has fewer than 7 players?

If a team has fewer than 7 players (due to red cards or injuries), the match cannot start or continue. The team with insufficient players forfeits the match, and the opposing team is awarded a win.

Can a goalkeeper score a goal?

Yes. The goalkeeper can score a goal with their feet or head during open play, and they can also score directly from a goal kick (though this is extremely rare). They cannot score with their hands from their own penalty area—that would be an indirect free kick to the opposition.

What is VAR and when is it used?

VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is a system used in professional matches to review decisions made by the referee. It is only used for four types of incidents: goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and mistaken identity. The referee can view a monitor or be advised by the VAR team, but the final decision is always the referee’s.

Sources: The IFAB Laws of the Game. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.