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The most popular sport in the world is football, also known as soccer in certain countries. The game unites people, from schoolyard children to high-level professionals on the international field of play. However, to enjoy football, both during playing and watching, a person has to learn its rules.
What then are the 17 rules of football? The International Football Association Board (IFAB) formulates these rules, and they are applied throughout the whole world. In this blog, we are going to define each rule in plain English so that beginners can learn simple rules of football, including the most talked about law of football, like someone talking about the offside law in football. What shall we do step by step?
A good field is required in every football game. This regulation is what defines how the field must appear and also appear.
The football field is a rectangle with a length of approximately 100-110 meters and a width of approximately 64-75 meters.
A centre circle, a halfway line, penalty areas, and corner arcs are some of the objects present in the field.
The width of each goal is 7.32, and the height is 2.44 meters.
This rule is simple—it defines the shape, size, and quality of the football used in the game.
A standard football (size 5) must be spherical and made of suitable material.
If the ball bursts or becomes defective during play, the game is stopped and restarted with a new ball.
Football is played between two teams, and this rule sets the limit for players.
Each team can have up to 11 players, including a goalkeeper.
A team must have at least 7 players to continue a match.
Teams can make a limited number of substitutions (usually 3 to 5), depending on the competition.
This rule explains what players should wear during a match.
Players must wear a shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards, and boots.
Goalkeepers wear a different color to stand out from the rest of the players.
Items like jewelry are not allowed during the game.
The referee ensures that the rules of football are followed.
The referee has the final decision on all matters during the game.
They can stop, start, or suspend the game if necessary.
The referee gives yellow and red cards to control player behavior.
Apart from the main referee, other officials help manage the game.
Usually two, they monitor offside and signal when the ball goes out of play.
Manages substitutions and shows the added time.
In some leagues, VAR helps review key decisions like goals, penalties, and red cards.
This rule explains how long a football match lasts.
A match has two halves of 45 minutes each.
There’s a 15-minute break between the halves.
In some knockout matches, 30 minutes of extra time are played if the score is tied.
Referees add time for injuries or stoppages at the end of each half.
This rule covers how play is started and restarted.
Used to start the match and restart after a goal.
Used to restart play when the game is stopped for a reason not covered by other rules.
Used when the ball goes out of play.
This rule helps understand when the ball is in play and when it's not.
The ball is out when it completely crosses the goal line or touchline.
The ball is in play as long as it hasn’t gone out and the referee hasn’t stopped the game.
This rule explains how to decide who wins.
A goal is scored when the ball fully crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar.
The team with more goals wins. If both teams score the same, it’s a draw.
In some tournaments, tied matches go to penalties to determine the winner.
One of the most debated and misunderstood rules of football soccer is the offside law.
A player is offside if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender when the ball is played.
Being in an offside position is not a foul unless the player becomes actively involved.
This rule lists what players can’t do during the game.
Kicking, tripping, pushing, or handling the ball with hands.
A warning for offenses like unsporting behavior or time-wasting.
A player is sent off for serious foul play or receiving two yellow cards.
Free kicks are given for fouls or handballs.
You can score directly from this kick.
Another player must touch the ball before a goal can be scored.
Penalty kicks are a major part of the football rules and can change a match.
Awarded when a foul is committed inside the penalty area.
One player takes the shot from the penalty spot; only the goalkeeper can defend it.
This rule applies when the ball crosses the touchline.
The player must throw the ball with both hands from behind and over their head, keeping both feet on the ground.
This restart happens when the attacking team kicks the ball over the goal line.
The goalkeeper or another teammate takes the goal kick.
A corner kick is awarded when the defending team touches the ball last and it goes over their goal line.
The ball is placed in the corner arc for the kick.
It is possible to score directly on a corner kick.
To enjoy the game, it would be advisable to have an understanding of the 17 rules of football. These football regulations bring about fairness, direction, and vibrancy in the field. Whether it is the law of the offside in the football game or the rule that defines how a corner kick can be taken, every single one plays its role in the smooth play of the game.
With an idea of the rules, the basic rules in the case of football, it is now a lot more enjoyable to watch or participate in a game. Whether you are new to football or soccer or merely refreshing your knowledge of the rules, it will make you enjoy the most popular game in the world even more. Now, when someone asks what the 17 rules of football are, you are all set to say the answer!
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