The origins of the modern soccer can be traced to the formation in 1863 of the Football Association in England, when the official rules and regulations of the game were first set out. These rules, organized into 17 basic laws, remain the basis for the way the game is played today. Internationally, soccer is governed by FIFA, responsible along with the International Football Association Board, of which it is a sitting member, for determining the rules of the game.
Pitch
Soccer can be played on both natural and artificial surfaces, with the stipulation that the color of artificial surfaces must be green. The pitch must be rectangular and marked with lines, with the longer boundaries known as touch lines and the shorter lines known as goal lines. The dimensions of the pitch must be 100 to 130 yards in length and 50 to 100 yards in width. The permissible modifications for pitch size are further restricted for international matches. The field of play is divided into two halves by the half-way line, which joins the midpoints of the two touch lines. Areas for the center circle, goal area, penalty area and corner arcs are also marked out. Flagposts must be placed at each corner of the pitch. The goals, consisting of two goal posts, a crossbar and a net, are located at each end of the pitch on the goal line.
Players, Officials and Equipment
Soccer is played between two teams, each containing a maximum of 11 players, including a goalkeeper. A referee, with support from two assistants and the fourth official in higher level competition, controls the match. The referee has full authority to enforce the laws of the game. The ball must be spherical, made of leather or some other suitable material, have a circumference of 27 to 28 inches, a weight of 14 to 16 oz., and be inflated to a pressure of 8.5 to 15.6 lbs. per square inch. Compulsory equipment for each player includes a jersey, shorts, socks, shinguards and footwear. Players must not wear anything that is a danger to them or any other player, including jewelry.
Game Duration
A soccer match lasts two equal periods of 45 minutes. The halftime break must not exceed 15 minutes. The referee may add extra time at the end of each half to compensate for time lost due to substitutions and the treatment or removal of injured players.
Scoring
Soccer games are decided by the number of goals scored. A goal is awarded when the whole ball crosses the goal line between the goal posts and under the crossbar. The team to score the greater number of goals is the winner. If each team has an equal number of goals at the end of the match, the contest is declared a draw. If a winner must be decided, the match can be concluded by overtime or penalty kicks.
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