Soccer, also known as football or association football, is a team sport played between two teams of 11 players. The objective of the game is to score by directing the ball into the opponent’s goal. The game is played on a rectangular field, usually marked with lines, as well as different colors for each team. Here are some of the basic rules of soccer:
Field of Play
- The field of play is generally a rectangular shape, marked by lines, called sidelines and goal lines.
- The two teams play on opposite sides and the objective is to score on each other’s goal.
Number of Players
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- Each team must consist of 11 players, including one goalkeeper.
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- A match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than 7 players.
Equipment
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- Players must wear shin pads, and shirts, shorts and socks of the same color.
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- A referee must check the players’ equipment before the match to ensure it is safe and does not contravene the rules.
Substitutions
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- A team can substitute up to 3 players at any time and during a stoppage in play.
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- Substitutions can only take place with the referee’s permission.
Duration of the Match
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- A standard match is divided into two 45-minute halves.
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- A half-time break of 15 minutes is typically allowed between the two halves.
Fouls and Misconducts
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- A foul is generally any offense that is considered by the referee to be unsportsmanlike behavior.
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- If a player commits a foul, the referee may award a free kick or a penalty kick, depending on the severity of the offense.
Offside Rule
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- The offside rule states that players cannot be closer to the goal line than the ball when the ball is being passed to them.
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- If a player is in an offside position, a free kick is typically awarded to the other team.
These are only some of the basic rules of soccer. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) oversees and passes laws that regulate the game. For more detailed information on the rules of the game, refer to their website.
