The Basic Rules of Soccer

If you're new to soccer, welcome aboard! You’re stepping into a sport loved by over 4 billion fans around the world. Whether you're watching your first match or gearing up to play, this guide is here to break down the basic rules of the game from the purpose of play to key regulations, penalties, and FAQs. Let’s make the world’s most popular game easy to understand, one rule at a time.

What Are the Basic Rules of Soccer?

Soccer, also known as football in most parts of the world, has a simple objective: score more goals than the opposing team by the end of the match. While that may sound straightforward, the game has a defined set of rules that keep it fair, competitive, and exciting.

1. No Hands Rule (Except the Goalkeeper):

• • Field players may not touch the ball with their hands or arms
  • Goalkeepers can use their hands, but only inside their penalty area

2. Match Duration + Stoppage Time

• • A standard match lasts 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves
  • The referee adds “stoppage time” at the end of each half for delays

3. Kickoff Rules

• • Kickoff starts the match and restarts play after goals
  • The ball must move forward and players must stay on their side

4. Throw-Ins for Out-of-Bounds

• • When the ball crosses the sideline, the opposing team throws it in
  • Both feet must stay on the ground and hands must go over the head

5. Offside Rules

• • A player is offside if they’re closer to the goal than the second-to-last defender when receiving the ball
  • Offside applies only in the opponent's half and during active play

6. Fouls and Free Kicks

• • Fouls include tripping, pushing, or unfair contact
  • The fouled team is awarded a direct or indirect free kick

7. Penalty Kicks

• • Awarded for fouls inside the penalty area
  • One-on-one shot vs. the goalkeeper from the penalty spot

8. Substitutions

• • Teams can make a limited number of player changes per match
  • Players must leave and enter the field with referee permission

9. Yellow & Red Cards

• • Yellow means a warning for misconduct
  • Red means ejection from the game (or two yellows = one red)

10. Referee Has Final Say

• • The head referee enforces rules and makes the final call

  • Decisions are not reversible once play restarts

How Does a Soccer Match Work From Start to Finish?

Soccer may look fast and fluid, but the match structure follows a clear rhythm from the kickoff to the final whistle. Whether you're playing or watching, understanding how each stage of the game works will help you follow the action and anticipate what’s coming next.

Kickoff

• The game begins with a kickoff from the center circle.
• The team that wins the coin toss chooses to kick off or pick a side.
• All players must stay on their half of the field until the ball is in play.
• The ball must be played forward and can’t be touched again by the kicker until another player does.
• Kickoffs also occur after every goal is scored, with the opposing team restarting play.

First Half

• The first half consists of 45 minutes of continuous play (plus added stoppage time).
• Teams aim to control possession, create scoring chances, and defend against the opposing team’s attacks.
• The referee can stop play for fouls, injuries, or substitutions.
• Restarts include throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, and free kicks.
• At the end of 45 minutes, stoppage time is added to account for delays.

Halftime

• Halftime lasts 15 minutes.
• Teams return to their locker rooms to regroup, hydrate, and plan for the second half.
• Coaches may decide on substitutions or formation changes. Discover our article on the different soccer formations.
• Referees and assistants reset for the next period.
• Teams switch sides to ensure fair play with varying field conditions (sunlight, wind, etc.).

Second Half

• The second half begins with the other team taking the kickoff.
• Another 45 minutes of regulation time is played.
• Teams often push harder as the match progresses, especially if the score is close.
• Yellow and red cards issued in the first half still apply.
• Stoppage time is again added based on how much play was delayed.

Stoppage Time

• Also known as injury time, it compensates for pauses in play (injuries, substitutions, time-wasting).
• The fourth official displays the number of minutes added at the end of each half.
• The referee can adjust this time further if more delays occur during stoppage time itself.
• Goals scored during stoppage time are fully valid.
• The half ends only when the referee signals the final whistle.

Extra Time (if needed)

• In knockout rounds or finals, matches tied at the end of regulation may go into extra time.
• Extra time consists of two 15-minute halves with a short break in between.
• Teams can make an additional substitution in many competitions.
• If a team scores, play continues until the end of extra time (no golden goal rule in most formats).
• If still tied, the game moves to a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout (if tied after extra time)

• Each team takes five penalty kicks, alternating shooters.
• If still tied, it moves to sudden death rounds, first team to gain a lead after an even number of kicks wins.
• Only players on the field at the end of extra time may participate.
• The goalkeeper must stay on the line until the ball is kicked.
• The team with the most goals after the shootout wins the match.

Soccer Rules for the Field

Every soccer match is played on a rectangular field with clearly defined markings. These field elements have specific rules that guide how the game is played.

• Field Dimensions - The field must be rectangular. For international matches, it typically ranges from 100 to 130 yards (91.4m to 118.9m) long and 50 to 100 yards (45.7m to 91.4m).

• Touchlines (Sidelines) - The long boundary lines along each side of the field. If the ball crosses the touchline, it results in a throw-in for the opposing team.

• Goal Lines (End Lines) - The short lines at each end of the field. If the ball crosses this line between the posts, it’s a goal. Otherwise, it results in a goal kick or corner kick.

• Goal Area (6-Yard Box) - A smaller box inside the penalty area. Goal kicks must be taken from within this area.

• Penalty Area (18-Yard Box) - The larger rectangular box around each goal. Fouls inside this area result in penalty kicks. Goalkeepers can use their hands only within this box.

• Center Circle - Located in the middle of the field, it has a 10-yard radius. Opposing players must stay outside this circle during kickoffs.

• Penalty Spot - Located 12 yards from the goal line. It’s the mark where players take penalty kicks.

• Corner Arcs - Quarter-circle arcs at each corner of the field. The ball must be placed within the arc for a corner kick.

• Halfway Line - Divides the field into two halves. Kickoffs must be taken from the center point, and players must stay in their own half until the ball is played.

• Technical Area (Sideline Zone for Coaches) - A designated space next to the bench where coaches can stand. They must stay within this area when giving instructions.

Soccer Rules for Teams & Players

All official soccer rules are governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for creating and updating the Laws of the Game. These rules outline everything from how many players are required to the number of substitutions allowed during a match.

Let’s take a closer look at how teams are structured and managed during play:

Number of Players

• Each team must have 11 players on the field, including 1 goalkeeper.
• A team cannot continue playing with fewer than 7 players.
• Injuries, red cards, or missing players can lead to a team being reduced in number.
• If a team drops below 7 players, the match is stopped and possibly forfeited.

Substitution Rules

• Most competitions allow up to 5 substitutes during a match (this can vary by league or tournament).
• Substitutes must be made at the halfway line and only with the referee’s permission.
• Once a player is substituted out, they cannot return to the match unless specific league rules allow re-entry (e.g., in youth or recreational leagues).
• Substitutions are usually made during stoppages in play or at halftime.

Soccer Rules for Fouls and Penalties

Soccer is a physical and fast-paced sport, but it’s also governed by clear rules to keep gameplay fair and safe. Fouls and penalties are issued when a player breaks these rules, whether intentionally or not. The referee enforces these infractions and can issue free kicks, penalty kicks, or disciplinary cards.

Minor Offenses

Minor offenses involve illegal physical contact or rule-breaking that does not warrant a card but still results in a free kick or indirect restart.

Common examples include:

• Tripping - Using your foot or leg to knock down an opponent.
• Pushing - Using hands or body to shove an opposing player.
• Holding - Grabbing an opponent’s jersey or arm to restrict movement.
• Hitting - Swinging arms or elbows, even unintentionally.
• Tackling from behind - Dangerous and often penalized regardless of ball contact.
• Touching the ball with your hands - Only goalkeepers are allowed to use hands within the penalty area.

Special Rules for Goalkeepers:

• Handling the ball after a teammate’s back-pass - Not allowed; results in an indirect free kick.
• Handling from a teammate’s throw-in - Also not permitted.
• Holding the ball longer than 6 seconds - Can result in an indirect free kick.
• Touching the ball again after releasing it - Another player must touch it first.
• Kicking or touching the ball while bouncing or drop-kicking - Must not be interfered with during release.

Yellow Card Explained

A yellow card is a formal warning issued by the referee for unsporting or reckless behavior. It signals that a player is approaching the limit of acceptable conduct.

• Unsporting behavior - Reckless tackles, time-wasting, simulation (diving), etc.
• Dissent by word or action - Arguing or showing disrespect to the referee.
• Persistent infringement - Repeated minor fouls throughout the game.
• Delaying the restart of play - Intentionally wasting time.
• Failing to respect required distance - Not giving space during free kicks or corners.
• Entering or re-entering the field without permission - Unauthorized movement onto the pitch.
• Leaving the field without permission - Walking off without referee approval.

Red Card Explained

A red card means immediate ejection from the match. A player who receives a red card must leave the field and cannot be replaced, reducing their team’s player count.

• Serious foul play - Dangerous, reckless tackles with excessive force.
• Violent conduct - Punching, elbowing, or intentionally trying to harm another player.
• Spitting at an opponent or any person - Considered a serious misconduct.
• Denying a goal by handball - If not by the goalkeeper within the box.
• Denying a goal or scoring opportunity by a foul - Tactical fouls as the last defender.
• Using offensive, insulting, or abusive language/gestures - Zero tolerance.
• Receiving a second yellow card - Two yellows in one match = automatic red.

Soccer Rules by Equipment

Every player on the field must wear the proper gear, and there are official rules that govern each piece. These standards ensure safety, fairness, and consistency across all levels of the game, from youth leagues to professional play.

• Cleats - Must be soccer-specific footwear with molded or screw-in studs. Metal studs are allowed unless restricted by the competition. No toe cleats like in baseball or American football. See our article on the different types of soccer cleats.
• Soccer Ball - Must be size 5 for adult matches (size 3 to size 4 for younger age groups). The ball must be spherical, between 410 to 450 grams, and inflated to 8.5 to 15.6 psi. Discover our article on the complete list of soccer ball sizes by age.
• Shin Guards - Mandatory for all players. They must be worn under socks and provide adequate protection. Referees will inspect them before matches.
• Jersey - Each team wears a matching soccer jersey with a unique number on the back. Goalkeeper jerseys must be a different color than both teams and the referee.
• Socks - Must fully cover the shin guards. Teams usually wear matching socks as part of the uniform kit.
• Shorts - Standard uniform shorts. Undergarments must match the color of the shorts if visible.
• Goalkeeper Gloves - Optional but commonly worn by keepers for grip and protection. Gloves must be safe (no sharp elements) and are not allowed for outfield players. Shop our selection of adult goalkeeper gloves.

VAR (Video Assistant Referee) Rules

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was introduced to improve decision-making on the field using video technology. While the referee maintains full authority, VAR helps review key moments to ensure fairness and reduce human error.

• Goals and Potential Violations - VAR checks if there was a foul, offside, or handball leading up to a goal.
• Penalty Decisions - VAR reviews whether a penalty should or should not be awarded, including simulation (diving) or missed fouls in the box.
• Red Cards - Direct red card offenses (not second yellow cards) can be reviewed for accuracy.
• Mistaken Identity - If the referee penalizes the wrong player, VAR can correct the decision.

All VAR reviews are initiated by the VAR team and confirmed by the head referee, often after checking the pitch-side monitor. While not every call is overturned, VAR adds an extra layer of fairness to critical match moments.

What Are the 17 Rules (Laws) of Soccer?

The official rules of soccer are called the Laws of the Game, established and maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). These 17 laws apply to all levels of play, from grassroots to the FIFA World Cup.

• Law 1: The Field of Play - Field size, lines, goals, surfaces.
  
• Law 2: The Ball - Size, weight, pressure, replacement.
  
• Law 3: The Players - Team size, subs, minimum players.
  
• Law 4: The Players' Equipment - Required gear: jersey, cleats, guards.
  
• Law 5: The Referee - Enforces rules, final match authority.
  
• Law 6: The Other Match Officials - Assistants, VAR, and fourth official.
  
• Law 7: The Duration of the Match - 90 minutes, stoppage, extra time.
  
• Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play - Kickoffs, drop balls, restarts.
  
• Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play - Defines when ball is playable.
  
• Law 10: Determining the Outcome of a Match - Goals, tiebreakers, shootouts explained.
  
• Law 11: Offside - Player position, timing, and violations.
  
• Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct - Types of fouls, card offenses.
  
• Law 13: Free Kicks - Direct and indirect kick rules.
  
• Law 14: The Penalty Kick - Procedure, fouls, and scoring rules.
  
• Law 15: The Throw-In - Rules for sideline restarts.
  
• Law 16: The Goal Kick - Restarting from the six-yard box.
  
• Law 17: The Corner Kick - Corner setup, defender distance.

Soccer Rules FAQs

1. What is the hardest rule in soccer?

For many new fans, the offside rule is the trickiest to understand. It involves a player's position relative to the second-to-last defender and when the ball is played. It's one of the most frequently debated and reviewed rules in the game.

2. What is a mercy rule in soccer?

Most professional leagues don’t use a mercy rule, but in youth or recreational soccer, a mercy rule may stop the match early if one team leads by a large margin, often 7+ goals, to prevent discouragement or unsportsmanlike play.

3. What is the most important rule in soccer?

Arguably, the most fundamental rule is that only the goalkeeper can use their hands, and only within the penalty area. This rule defines the nature of the game and separates it from other team sports.