Soccer is a historic game that has existed since the early 1800s, according to Soccer-Fans-Info. After its start in England, the game was eventually presided over by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). FIFA created the official rules for soccer and revises them every year, according to Soccer Help.
Playing Field
According to Soccer-Fans-Info, a soccer match is played on either grass or artificial turf. The field, known as a "pitch," must be between 90 and 120 meters long (295 to 393 feet) and between 45 and 90 meters wide (148 to 295 feet). The soccer goal must be 7.32 meters long (24 feet) and 2.44 meters high (8 feet). The distance between the penalty dot and the goal must be exactly 11 meters (36 feet), while the diameter of the circle at center field must be 18.30 meters (60 feet). The soccer ball's circumference must be between 68 and 70 cm (27 to 28 inches) and must weigh between 410 and 450 g (14 to 16 ounces).
Game Play
Each team has 11 players on the field, including one goalkeeper. A team may have up to nine players on the bench at once, but is allowed only three substitutes per game. Games are broken up into two 45-minute halves, which are played with running time (the clock does not stop for anything). At the end of each half, stoppage time is added, at the discretion of the referee. Stoppage time can last from one minute to a few minutes. Game play can be halted for numerous reasons (though the clock does not stop for any reason). This includes the end of a half or game. If the ball goes out of bounds, the opposing team is allowed to throw the ball in from the out-of-bounds line. A goal kick is awarded when the ball goes out of bounds behind the back line, with the offensive team being the last to touch it. A corner kick is awarded when the ball goes out of bounds behind the back line, with the defensive team touching it last. A direct or indirect free kick is awarded when a foul occurs, be it a tackle from behind, an illegal challenge or any other reason, at the referee's discretion. A penalty kick is awarded when a foul occurs inside the penalty area. The offensive player is allowed a free kick from the penalty dot with just the goalkeeper defending. A dropped ball occurs when the referee stops play for any other reason, including injury and/or spectator interference. When this occurs, the referee drops the ball from shoulder height in front of two players, who each try to gain control of the ball. Offsides is a complicated rule that is called at the discretion of the referee or the line judge. When the ball is kicked, if any offensive player is behind the last defensive player, offsides is called. At all times, when a ball is kicked, there must be a defensive player between every offensive player and the goal. When offsides is called, the defensive team is awarded a free kick from the spot of the offense.
Fouls
A foul occurs for numerous reasons. This includes a player making illegal contact with an opposing player, whether accidentally or deliberately. Fouls only occur during play, but a misconduct can be given when play is stopped. Fouls can be penalized by the referee with a yellow or red card. Two yellow cards for one player equals a red card, while receiving a red card gets you ejected from the match (and one ensuing match).
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