Soccer Rules and Regulations Explained

The 17 Laws of the Game

Soccer’s rules are written by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and published as the “Laws of the Game.” These 17 laws are the complete rulebook, updated annually. They cover: the field, the ball, the number of players, player equipment, the referee, other match officials, the duration of the match, the start and restart of play, the ball in and out of play, determining the outcome of a match, offside, fouls and misconduct, free kicks, penalty kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks. Every rule you see in a professional or amateur match traces back to one of these laws.

Field, Ball, and Players

Field: A rectangular pitch, typically 100-130 yards long and 50-100 yards wide for international matches. Markings include the halfway line, center circle, penalty areas, and goal areas.
Ball: Spherical, made of leather or suitable synthetic material, with a circumference of 68-70 cm and a weight of 410-450 grams at the start of the match.
Players: Each team fields 11 players, including one goalkeeper. A match cannot start if either team has fewer than 7 players. Substitutions are typically 3 to 5 per team, depending on the competition.

Key Rules of Play

Kick-off: The match starts with a kick-off from the center spot, and restarts after a goal. All players must be in their own half, and the ball must move forward.
Ball in and out of play: The ball is out when it fully crosses the goal line or touchline, either on the ground or in the air. Play stops and restarts with a throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick.
Goal scoring: A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided no offense was committed.
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, and they are involved in active play. Being offside is not an offense in itself; it becomes one when the player interferes with play or gains an advantage.
Fouls and misconduct: Direct free kicks are given for serious offenses like kicking, tripping, pushing, or handball. Indirect free kicks are for lesser offenses like dangerous play or obstruction. Yellow cards warn, red cards send off.
Free kicks: Direct free kicks can score directly against the opposing team; indirect free kicks must touch another player before a goal can be scored.
Penalty kicks: Awarded when a direct free kick offense occurs inside the defender’s own penalty area. The kick is taken from the penalty spot, 12 yards from goal, with only the goalkeeper defending.
Restarts: Throw-ins are taken when the ball crosses the touchline, goal kicks when it crosses the goal line last touched by an attacker, and corner kicks when last touched by a defender.

Match Duration and Stoppage Time

A standard match lasts 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves, with a halftime break of no more than 15 minutes. The referee adds stoppage time (injury time) at the end of each half to compensate for substitutions, injuries, goal celebrations, and other delays. In knockout matches that are tied, extra time of two 15-minute periods may be played, followed by a penalty shootout if still level. The exact amount of stoppage time is at the referee’s discretion and is now often displayed on an electronic board.

Common Misconceptions

Many casual fans think offside is about the player’s position relative to the last defender, but it’s actually about the ball and the second-last opponent. Also, not all handballs are fouls—the ball hitting a player’s arm accidentally when it’s in a natural position is often not penalized. Another myth is that a player can be offside from a goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in—they cannot. These restarts do not produce offside.

Referee and VAR

The referee is the sole authority on the field, with the power to stop play, issue cards, and enforce the laws. In professional leagues, Video Assistant Referees (VAR) review clear and obvious errors in four game-changing situations: goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and mistaken identity. VAR does not review every decision; it only intervenes when there is a clear error. The referee can also use a pitch-side monitor for on-field review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players are on a soccer team?

Each team has 11 players on the field, including one goalkeeper. Teams can have substitutes on the bench, usually 3 to 5 per match, depending on the competition rules.

What is the offside rule in simple terms?

You are offside if you are closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played to you, and you are involved in active play. It’s not an offense unless you interfere with play or gain an advantage.

What is a yellow card vs a red card?

A yellow card is a warning for a cautionable offense, like reckless fouls or delaying the restart. A red card sends a player off for serious foul play, violent conduct, or a second yellow card. A red card means your team plays with one fewer player.

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

No, a goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. If the ball goes into the opponent’s goal without touching anyone else, a goal kick is awarded. If it goes into your own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opponents.

How long is a soccer game?

A standard match is 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves. The referee adds stoppage time for delays. In knockout games that are tied, extra time of 30 minutes is played, then a penalty shootout if still level.

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

A direct free kick can score directly against the opposing team without another player touching the ball. An indirect free kick must touch another player before a goal can be scored. The referee signals an indirect kick by raising one arm.

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