17 Basic Laws Of Soccer To Guide Every Soccer Enthusiast
Soccer is very popular all over the world and those who want to enter the world of soccer need to be familiar with the laws of soccer. In this age of digital and internet technology, it is easy to get hold of the updated version of soccer rules and other helpful soccer resources. Since the laws of soccer are periodically updated, here are the 17 basic laws of soccer every soccer enthusiast must be aware of:
Law 1: Playing Field.
Law 2: Ball.
Law 3: Players.
Law 4: Equipment.
Law 5: Referees.
Law 6: Linesmen.
Law 7: Duration.
Law 8: Start of Game.
Law 9: Ball In and Out.
Law 10: Scoring.
Law 11: Offside.
Law 12: Foul and Misconduct.
Law 13: Free Kicks.
Law 14: Penalty Kicks.
Law 15: Throw Ins.
Law 16: Goal Kicks.
Law 17: Corner Kicks.
Considered as the most popular sports in the world, soccer is governed by the basic laws of soccer. The laws of soccer being followed by various soccer leagues all over the world does not differ that much from the original soccer rules promulgated way back in 1863.
The basic laws of soccer, in actuality, are very brief as compared to the rules of other games. These soccer rules are used as basis for any decision and other game technicalities. Serving as guidelines of the game, these rules are important in ensuring an orderly game and in promoting discipline and sportsmanship among players.
Soccer enthusiasts and those who plan to enter the soccer world can easily find the latest soccer rules from the internet. One can also easily find various helpful soccer resources. SoccerU is one such resource that helps educate people on the laws of soccer and various skills with its extensive technical training series.
SoccerU is a one-stop extensive resource for soccer players, soccer coaches, and soccer parents. SoccerU’s 2011 Full DVD Series, a 6-disk series of over 11 hours, focuses on the teaching and learning of raw technical skills ranging from beginner’s level to advanced technical training.
Those who want to enter the exciting world of soccer need to know not only the necessary skills but also the governing laws of soccer. Though the soccer rules used by various leagues vary from year to year, here are the basic laws of soccer:
Law 1: Playing Field. The first soccer law details the shape and measurement of the playing field. It also describes the location of the goals, the penalty spot, and the center circle.
Law 2: Ball. It details the shape, circumference, and weight of the soccer ball based on regulations. Currently, the soccer ball must a circumference of 68 to 70 centimeters and should weigh between 410 to 450 grams.
Law 3: Players. This law specifies the number of players who can play in a soccer game. According to regulations, a team should have 11 players on the field, a goalkeeper and 10 outfield players.
Law 4: Equipment. Each player must have the five S: shirt, shorts, shoes, socks, and, most importantly, shin guards. This law emphasized that shin guards are required and that the players’ shoes should not contain metal spikes. Players are also prohibited to wear any jewelry of hard hair clips.
Law 5: Referees. There is only one official referee for every soccer game. The referee controls the game and all referee decisions are considered final.
Law 6: Linesmen. There will be two linemen who are tasked to assist the referee. The linesmen will indicate the offsides, which team should be take a corner kick, and which team will have ball possession after it goes out of play.
Law 7: Duration. A soccer game is played in two 45-minute halves. Additional time may be added for injuries. In the event of a tie, the game duration can be extended with two 15-minute sessions.
Law 8: Start of Game. A coin flip is done before the start of each game to determine which team kicks off. Law 8 describes the position of each team during the start of the game. It also details the eight situations when the game can be stopped and restarted.
Law 9: Ball In and Out. The ball is considered out of play when the referee stops the game or when the ball crosses the touchline or goal line. Any substitution can only be done when the ball is not considered in play.
Law 10: Scoring. A goal can be scored when the ball is in play and completely crosses the goal line under the cross bar or between the goal posts.
Law 11: Offside. This soccer rule defines what an offside position is and states when a player could be penalized for being in offside position. It also specifies the exceptions to this law.
Law 12: Foul and Misconduct. Law 12 contradistinguishes foul from misconduct and the corresponding penalties. It also specifies the offenses that are punishable by a red card or a yellow card.
Law 13: Free Kicks. Free kicks, either direct free kicks or indirect free kicks, are awarded for any violations stipulated in Law 12. The opposing team must be at least 10 yards away from the kicker and the ball during all free kicks.
Law 14: Penalty Kicks. These are direct free kicks made at the penalty mark in front of a team’s goal. In this situation, it is just between the kicker and the goalkeeper. Penalty kicks result from intentionally committing any of soccer’s nine major offenses.
Law 15: Throw Ins. Law 15 specifies what comprises a throw in. It also stipulates that there is no offside offense in a throw in and that a goal resulting directly from a throw in cannot be scored.
Law 16: Goal Kicks. This law states that a play should be restarted with a goal kick, which is done from the goal area of the defending team, after the ball has passed wholly over the goal line and was touched last by any player from the attacking team.
Law 17: Corner Kicks. In the event the ball entirely crosses the goal line and was last touched by a player from the defending team, a corner kick is taken by a player from the attacking team. Corner kicks are done from the corner of the side of the field where the ball went out.