Soccer, also known as football outside the U.S., is the world’s most beloved sport. With over 4 billion fans across continents, it thrives on passion, simplicity, and a universal rulebook. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, an aspiring pro, or just someone trying to understand why fans scream over a free kick, knowing the 10 rules in soccer is essential.
This article will break down the top 10 soccer rules you should know, each explained clearly and with real-world relevance—perfect for players, parents, or curious fans.
What Are the 10 Main Rules in Soccer?
Let’s kick off with the 10 essential rules that govern every official soccer match worldwide:
1. The Offside Rule
Rule: A player is offside if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal than both the ball and the second-last defender at the moment the ball is played to them.
Why It Matters: This rule prevents attackers from simply camping near the goal for easy scores. It adds complexity and fairness to the game.
Quick Tip: You’re not offside if you’re in your own half or receive the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner.
2. Ball In and Out of Play
Rule: The ball is considered out of play when it has completely crossed the goal line or touchline—either on the ground or in the air.
Why It Matters: Games pause when the ball goes out. It determines whether a goal, throw-in, corner, or goal kick should occur.
📌 Fact: The entire ball must cross the line. Even 99% over doesn’t count as out!
3. Throw-In
Rule: When the ball goes out over the touchline, the opposing team of the last player to touch it gets a throw-in.
Key Requirements:
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Both feet must be on or behind the line.
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Use both hands to throw the ball over the head.
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Foot must remain on the ground.
Foul throw? The other team gets the ball!
4. Goal Kick
Rule: If the attacking team kicks the ball over the goal line without scoring, the defending team is awarded a goal kick.
Where It’s Taken: From anywhere inside the six-yard box.
Fun Fact: The ball must leave the penalty area before another player can touch it.
5. Corner Kick
Rule: If the defending team is the last to touch the ball before it crosses their own goal line (without a goal being scored), the attacking team earns a corner kick.
Where It’s Taken: From the nearest corner arc.
Strategy: Corners often lead to goals, especially in tight matches.
6. Fouls and Misconduct
Rule: Players must not trip, push, kick, or hold opponents. Dangerous tackles or unsporting behavior can result in fouls.
Disciplinary Actions:
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Yellow Card: Warning
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Red Card: Ejection from the game
Two yellows equal a red! Players are out for the rest of the game.
7. Free Kicks (Direct and Indirect)
Rule: After a foul, the opposing team may be awarded a free kick.
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Direct Free Kick: You can shoot directly at goal.
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Indirect Free Kick: The ball must touch another player first.
Defenders must stay at least 10 yards away during the kick.
8. Penalty Kick
Rule: If a foul occurs inside the defending team’s penalty box, the attacking team gets a penalty kick.
Distance: 12 yards from the goal.
Only the kicker and goalkeeper are allowed in the box.
Goalkeepers must stay on the line until the kick is taken.
9. The Duration of the Match
Rule: A standard soccer game lasts 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime.
Additional stoppage time is added based on injuries, substitutions, and time-wasting.
Draw in knockout games? Leads to extra time and possibly penalty shootouts.
10. Number of Players and Substitutions
Rule: Each team must have 11 players, including a goalkeeper.
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A team with fewer than 7 players (due to red cards or injury) cannot continue.
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Most professional matches allow 5 substitutions from a bench of 7 to 12 players.
🔁 FIFA allows temporary rule changes for tournaments or special leagues.
Why These 10 Rules Matter
These ten rules aren’t just formalities—they’re the heart of soccer’s flow. They keep the game:
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Fair
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Balanced
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Dynamic
Even a small violation, like a bad throw-in or subtle offside, can change the course of a game.
Bonus Rules Worth Knowing
Although we focused on the core 10, here are bonus rules that every soccer enthusiast should be aware of:
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Handball Rule: Any deliberate contact with the arm or hand (excluding the shoulder) is a foul.
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Kick-off Rule: The game starts with a forward pass from the center circle.
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Substitution Procedure: Substituted players must leave at the nearest point on the sideline.
For Beginners: How to Practice These Rules
Here are simple tips for learning the 10 rules:
| Rule | Practice Tip |
|---|---|
| Offside | Watch slow-motion replays on YouTube |
| Throw-in | Use cones and practice form |
| Fouls | Join a casual league to learn boundaries |
| Penalties | Practice aiming at corners of the goal |
| Duration | Use a timer while scrimmaging |
Though the Laws of the Game are standardized by FIFA, local leagues sometimes tweak rules:
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Youth leagues may have shorter match durations.
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Some amateur leagues allow rolling substitutions.
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Indoor soccer uses walls instead of sidelines.
Always check the league handbook for specific regulations!
Final Thoughts
Mastering the 10 rules in soccer is your gateway into understanding, appreciating, and playing the game with confidence. Whether you’re watching the World Cup or your child’s weekend match, these rules will help you follow the action like a pro.
Soccer may be called the beautiful game, but without rules, it would be chaos. The good news? These 10 are easy to learn—and once you know them, you’ll love the game even more.
FAQ: 10 Rules in Soccer
What’s the most confusing soccer rule?
The offside rule often confuses beginners, but once you watch enough slow-mo replays, it becomes clearer.
Can a goalie get a red card?
Yes! Goalkeepers are held to the same standards as any outfield player.
How many referees are on the field?
One main referee and two assistant referees (linesmen), with a fourth official for professional matches.
Can players re-enter after a red card?
No. A red-carded player cannot return and their team plays with one fewer player.
Are rules the same for women’s and men’s soccer?
Yes, FIFA applies the same rulebook for both, with only minor adaptations for youth or fitness considerations.