Football Rules Explained for Kids

The Basic Idea of Football

Football is played on a rectangular grass or artificial pitch with a goal at each end. Each team defends one goal and attacks the other. Players pass, dribble, and shoot the ball with their feet, head, or chest to score. Only the goalkeeper, who stays near their own goal, is allowed to touch the ball with hands or arms, and only inside their own penalty area. The game is controlled by a referee who enforces the rules and makes sure players play fairly.

The 7 Most Important Rules to Remember

No hands (except goalkeeper): Outfield players cannot touch the ball with their hands or arms. If they do, the other team gets a free kick or penalty kick.
Score goals to win: A goal counts when the whole ball crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. One goal equals one point.
Offside rule: An attacker cannot be closer to the opponent’s goal than both the ball and the second-last defender when the ball is passed to them. If they are, the play stops and the defending team gets a free kick.
Throw-ins: When the ball goes out over the sideline, the team that did not touch it last throws it back in with both hands from behind their head, keeping both feet on the ground.
Goal kicks and corners: If the attacking team kicks the ball over the goal line, the defending team takes a goal kick from the corner of the goal area. If the defending team kicks it out, the attacking team gets a corner kick from the corner flag.
Fouls and free kicks: Tripping, pushing, or holding an opponent is a foul. The other team gets a free kick; if the foul happens inside the penalty area, it is a penalty kick.
Yellow and red cards: A yellow card is a warning for a bad foul or unsporting behavior. Two yellows in one match mean a red card, which sends the player off. A red card can also be given directly for serious foul play.

How Long Is a Match and How Many Players?

A standard football match lasts 90 minutes, split into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute break at halftime. For kids, matches are often shorter—for example, under-10 games might be two halves of 20 minutes. Each team has 11 players on the pitch, including the goalkeeper. In youth football, smaller teams (like 5-a-side or 7-a-side) are common so kids touch the ball more and stay active. Substitutions allow fresh players to come on, and the referee adds extra time at the end of each half for stoppages like injuries or goal celebrations.

Common Fouls and What They Mean

Fouls happen when a player breaks the rules in a way that is unfair to an opponent. The most common ones are:

Tripping or kicking an opponent
Pushing or holding an opponent
Handling the ball deliberately (outfield players)
Playing dangerously, like kicking the ball near someone’s head
Obstructing an opponent without trying to play the ball

When a foul happens, the referee stops play and gives a free kick to the other team. If the foul is inside the penalty area, the award is a penalty kick—a direct shot at goal from the penalty spot, with only the goalkeeper defending. Serious fouls can lead to yellow or red cards.

Offside: The Rule Most Kids Find Confusing

The offside rule stops attackers from just standing next to the opponent’s goal waiting for the ball. A player is offside if, at the moment the ball is passed to them, they are closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender. Being offside is not a foul—it just means the play is stopped and the defending team gets a free kick. You are not offside if you are in your own half, if you are level with the second-last defender, or if you receive the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner. For kids just learning, many youth leagues simplify or even skip the offside rule until players are older.

How to Choose a Football to Play With

Football sizes matter for kids. A size 3 ball is for under-8s, size 4 for ages 8-12, and size 5 (the standard adult size) for ages 13 and up. The ball should be properly inflated—not too hard and not too soft. A good way to check is to drop it from shoulder height; it should bounce back up to about waist height. For playing on grass, a standard outdoor ball works; for hard ground or street, use a ball with a softer outer layer. Always check the ball for sharp objects or damage before playing.

Safety and Fair Play for Young Players

Football is generally safe, but injuries can happen. Kids should wear shin guards to protect their lower legs from kicks, and cleats (or boots) with studs for grip on grass. Goalkeepers should wear gloves to protect their hands. Before playing, warm up with light running and stretching. Drink water before, during, and after the game, especially on hot days. Always respect the referee and opponents—football is a game of skill and sportsmanship. If a player feels dizzy or in pain, they should stop and tell an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use your hands in football?

Only the goalkeeper can use hands, and only inside their own penalty area. Outfield players cannot touch the ball with hands or arms; doing so gives the other team a free kick or penalty.

What is a penalty kick?

A penalty kick is a direct free kick taken from the penalty spot, 11 meters (12 yards) from the goal. Only the goalkeeper defends, and all other players must be outside the penalty area. It is awarded when a defending player commits a foul inside their own penalty area.

Why is the offside rule so hard to understand?

Offside is tricky because it depends on the position of the player at the exact moment the ball is passed, not when they receive it. Many kids find it easier to remember: you cannot just stand near the opponent’s goal waiting for the ball. Youth leagues often remove or simplify it for beginners.

How long does a kids’ football match last?

It depends on age. Under-8s often play two halves of 10-15 minutes, under-10s two halves of 20-25 minutes, and under-12s two halves of 30 minutes. Adults play two halves of 45 minutes.

What does a yellow card mean?

A yellow card is a warning given by the referee for a bad foul or unsporting behavior. If a player gets two yellow cards in one match, they are shown a red card and must leave the game. A red card can also be given directly for very serious fouls.

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