Soccer is the world's most popular game and is played by people of all ages. While there are minor differences in rules depending on age and level of play, the main regulations and objective of the game remain the same.
Logistics
Professional soccer fields are 110 to 120 yards long and 70 to 80 yards wide. Field sizes may vary, as youth games are typically played on smaller fields. Each goal is 8 yards long and 8 feet high. The penalty area is a rectangular box in front of each goal, 44 yards wide and 18 yards long. In this area, the goalie is allowed to use his hands. Additionally, if an offensive player is fouled in this area, a penalty kick is awarded. The ball is spherical and should be 27 to 28 inches in circumference and weigh 14 to 16 oz.
Players
Soccer is played with 11 players on the field for each team, including a goalkeeper. Teams can position their players in any formation. These formations vary depending on what style of game a team wants to play. Typically, teams will have four defenders, three or four midfielders and two or three forwards. Rules state that teams must wear identical jerseys that distinguish them from the other team. Goalkeepers must wear a different color from their teammates to distinguish themselves as goalkeepers. All players must wear proper equipment. This includes footwear, socks and shinguards. Shinguards must be made of plastic or a similar material, and must provide a reasonable degree of protection. Usually shinguards need to stretch from the ankle to just below the knee.
Game Rules
Games start with a kickoff. Once play has started, players attempt to move the ball forward. The ball can be touched by any body part except the hands and arms. The objective of the game is to get the ball into the opposing team's goal. In order to score, the entire ball must cross the goal line. If the ball is hit out of bounds over the sideline, a throw-in is rewarded to the opposing team. A throw-in is the only time a player can use his hands. Standing out of bounds, a player throws the ball over his head with two hands on to the field. If the defensive team hits the ball out over the goal line, a corner kick is awarded to the attacking team. A corner kick is a free kick taken from the corner of the field. If the attacking team hit the ball out, a goal kick is taken by the defensive team. A goal kick is a free kick taken from the goal box. Soccer games have two 45-minute halves. Play does not stop and there are no timeouts. Additional time is added at the referee's discretion depending on how much time during the 45 minutes the game was not in play. At the end of the game, the team with the most goals wins.
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