Football rules include specific, unified regulations that apply to all matches and must be followed by all players or people involved. These rules are very important, contributing to safety, fairness, and increasing the drama of the match. Join Phdream to learn the basic rules of the king sport through the following article.
Football rules regarding the playing field
The football field is defined as a rectangle measuring approximately 105m x 68m with sidelines and touchlines, and a line in the middle of the field dividing the field into two teams. Each side will defend their half of the field and try to attack the opponent, the center circle is where the ball will be served.
The area of the two short touchlines will be the goal of each team, surrounded by the 16m50 penalty area, where the goalkeeper is allowed to catch the ball with his hands. However, if a foul is committed against the opponent in this area, a penalty will be awarded.
Near the goal will be the 5m50 area, where the player or goalkeeper will take the kick-off. There are 4 spots in each corner of the field used for free kicks, the field surface can be natural grass or artificial grass with green color.
Soccer rules on number of players and how to kick
The first rule that fans need to know in an official football match is about the number of players and the way of playing allowed, specifically:
Law on number of soccer players on the field
A football match will have the participation of 2 teams with 11 people on each side, including 1 goalkeeper and 10 players, a total of 22. In case each team has less than 7 people on the field, the match is considered canceled, the team will be divided into 3 main parts depending on the tactical diagram:
- A single goalkeeper stands in the goal
- The defense near the goal has 3 or 5 people to protect.
- The midfield line responsible for attack or defense will have 3 or 5 players depending on the situation.
- The forward line near the opponent’s goal responsible for scoring goals has 1 or 2 people.
According to FIFA football rules , in tournaments, each team is allowed to make 3 substitutions during the match or 5 depending on the situation. If all substitutions have been used up, the coach is forced to let a player on the field, at any position, down to protect the goal. Therefore, each team will have a number of reserve players to replace injured or tired players during the match.
Football rules on how to play
Regarding the way the game is played on the field, only the goalkeeper is allowed to use his hands to play the ball throughout the game, but only within the 16m50 area. The other players will have different tasks in each assigned position, based on each person’s playing ability.
Regulations on each player’s field attire
In the rules of football , each player’s outfit on the field is also specifically regulated. Accordingly, specialized football shoes will be required, along with socks and a pair of cardboard, completely covering the shin, ensuring the safety of the feet in collision situations.
Players must wear team shirts and shorts with their names and numbers printed on them. Goalkeepers wear a different outfit, so they can be easily identified, along with a pair of gloves.
In addition, the two teams’ uniforms must be of different colors when entering the field, so that the audience can easily distinguish them. The referee will be responsible for checking, if any player does not meet the conditions, he will be banned from participating in the match.
Regulations on playing time for each football match
According to FIFA football rules , the standard playing time of an official match will be 90 minutes, divided into 2 halves, each half lasting 45 minutes. Each team will switch sides of the field when moving to the next half.
There is a 15-minute break between the two halves of the match, so that the players have time to rest and regain their strength, as well as receive instructions from the coach. If a situation occurs where a player is injured, the ball goes out of bounds, etc., causing the referee to stop the match, the time will be added to the injury time, after the official 45 minutes.
If in a knockout match, the score is not tied and at the end of the official 90 minutes, the winner is not determined, the two sides will enter extra time. With 2 halves, the same total time of 30 minutes and a break of about 5 minutes, then the two teams switch sides to continue the match.
Football rules on using cards on the field
Football players on the field can be penalized by the referee and receive one of two yellow or red cards. Accordingly, yellow cards are often used to warn the following violations: Performing unsportsmanlike behavior, committing minor fouls on the opponent, not following the referee’s decision, entering or leaving the field without permission, wasting time, etc.
A red card in football is considered the most severe punishment, when the player must leave the field immediately. At the same time, the team is not allowed to make substitutions, and is suspended for the next few matches. Situations that can lead to this penalty card include: Serious fouls, cursing or spitting at the referee or opponent, illegally preventing the opponent from scoring a goal, using hands to play the ball in the penalty area, etc.
Other basic soccer rules on the field
In a football match, there are two possible states: live ball or dead ball. Accordingly, live ball is when the match is in progress, from start to finish, stopping when the referee blows the final whistle.
On the contrary, if the ball is dead, the match will be paused and needs to be restarted in special situations. Methods to continue the match include: Throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, indirect or direct free kick, penalty, dropped ball, etc., depending on the situation that occurred on the field before.
Thus, through this article, everyone has grasped the most complete overview of the rules of football . This is important information that Phdream wants to share and help you better understand the regulations that make the king sport attractive and appealing, as well as ensuring fairness on the field for the participating teams.
