Soccer Rules

Now, whether you call football soccer or soccer football, you need to know the rules before you play. This will help you learn more about the game as well as about how to practice in order to win as well as to win without getting a penalty flag. Though the rules might vary from league to league, here are the basic rules for soccer:

• The Field of Play – You are only allowed to play within a certain area, of a designated size and shape.
• The Ball – You are only allowed to play with a certain sized soccer ball, suitable to the rules of the league.
• The Number of Players – The number of players is limited, depending on the age and the league rules. Any more or fewer players can result in a penalty.
• The Players' Equipment – The players can only wear certain pieces of equipment during their game time.
• The Referee – There will be a referee, often more than one, to help watch for instances where the rules have been broken during play.
• The Assistant Referees – Assistant referees are stationed on the lines to ensure that play does not move outside of the prescribed area.
• Duration of the Match – Matches will only be a certain length of time, depending on the league and ages of the players.
• The Start & Restart of Play – Play can be started and restarted with time outs called by the coaches.
• The Ball In & Out of Play – The ball, when taken outside of the field, will be introduced back into play by the team that did not touch the ball last.
• The Method of Scoring – Scoring occurs when the team makes a goal in the opposing side’s goal.
• Fouls & Misconduct – When a player or a coach performs in a negative way, they can be given a foul.
• The Penalty Kick - The opposing team can get a free kick after a foul is called on the opposing team.

Yes, there are plenty of other rules you need to follow when you’re on the soccer field. You need to make sure you are only kicking in from certain areas at certain times, plus you need to make sure that you worship David Beckham. But these other rules can be picked up as you play.

When it comes to the game of soccer, many people think this is a game that simply involves running from one side of the field to another, a.k.a. torture. But this game is actually much like football in the way it is played, scored, and handled. If you’re interested in becoming a part of the World Cup mania, maybe it’s time you looked at soccer like something besides just a fun pop culture reference.