Rules of Soccer Everyone Should Know

Soccer is a simple game when it comes to the rules. The rules are easy to understand, even if they are not always easy to follow in the heat of a game.

The Field

The field must be between 100 and 130 yards in length and between 50 and 100 yards wide. At the end of each side of the rectangle field are goalposts and a six-yard box for the goalkeeper.

The Equipment

The equipment includes goalposts and nets and a ball. The ball must be between 58 and 61cm in circumference.

The Players

Each team can have 11 active players and 7 substitute players. A minimum of 7 players must be on the field for a match to take place or continue after players have been dismissed. Each side may only substitute up to three players.

Scoring

To score, the team must shoot a goal into the net on their scoring side of the field. The goalposts are defended by a goalkeeper. For a goal to count, the ball must go over the goal line completely. Each goal counts one point. The team with the most goals at the end of the 90-minute game time wins the game.

Overtime

Overtime can be called if there was time lost due to injuries. Overtime can also be called when the teams tie at the end of 90 minutes. This usually constitutes two halves of 15 minutes each. If the teams are still tied up after the extra time, they go into a penalty shoot-out.

And those are the basics. With these rules, anyone can watch a game of soccer and follow what is happening.