An Introduction to the Basic Rules of Football

Soccer, known as football in most parts of the world, is a team sport played with two teams of 11 players each. The objective is to score goals by putting the ball in the opposing team’s net. Here are key rules:

1. Game Structure: A soccer match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break.

2. The Ball: Soccer is played with a spherical ball of specific size and weight.

3. Scoring: A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar, earning one point.

4. Offside: A player cannot be nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is passed to them.

5. Fouls: Players must avoid dangerous or unfair play, such as tripping, pushing, or handball. The opposing team is awarded free kicks or penalty kicks for fouls, depending on the offense’s location.

6. Cards: Referees issue yellow cards as warnings for serious fouls and red cards for severe offenses, leading to player ejections.

7. Set Pieces: Throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks are used to restart play from specific locations.

8. Substitutions: Teams can replace players a limited number of times during a game.

Overtime and Penalty Shootouts: In knockout stage matches, if the game ends in a draw, extra time may be played, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary to determine the winner.

These are the basic rules of soccer, but the sport has many more specific regulations. Understanding and following these rules is crucial for fair play and an enjoyable soccer experience.