All the rules of soccer fall in 17 simple categories or "laws" as FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, terms them in its Laws of the Game. The basics of the game entail two teams of 11 players facing off on a large field. Players kick an official-sized ball, aiming for a goal, and play for 90 minutes. Other parameters of the game are less straightforward, with five rules that can require a bit of explanation for a new fan or player.
Offside
The offside rule, Law 11, perhaps the most baffling aspect of soccer for a neophyte, works to increase the tactical challenge of soccer by requiring the offense to work together in a compact, cohesive unit. In effect, it prevents attacking players from cherry-picking near the goal. Attacking players can be no closer to the goal than the last defender prior to the moment a teammate sends them a pass, unless they are not actively involved in a play. The main thing to remember as a new player is to avoid running past the last opponent until after a teammate sends a pass through the line of defenders.
Equipment
Players at all levels of the outdoor game, from leagues for children younger than 6 to the World Cup, need by rule to wear shinguards to protect the delicate front of the lower leg. Law 4, regarding players' equipment, notes that the shinguards must provide a reasonable degree of protection, be made of rubber, plastic or a similar suitable material and be completely covered by socks. Compulsory equipment also includes a numbered jersey, shorts and socks. Indoor soccer arenas set their own rules on whether to require shinguards.
Fouls, Misconduct and Cards
Law 12 on fouls and misconduct defines fouls as occurring on the field while the ball is in play. Misconduct occurs when the ball is stopped. So spitting at an opponent would be a foul if the ball is in play and misconduct otherwise. The referee can call a foul for careless, reckless or excessively forceful contact. Specific fouls include kicking, tripping, striking and pushing an opponent. Holding an opponent and deliberately handling the ball also constitute fouls. A reckless foul can result in a yellow card, and the referee shows a red card and sends the player off the field for excessive force.
Restarts
At the beginning of each half of the game and after a goal, the team in possession kicks off the ball, notes Law 8 on the start and restart of play. A goal kick or a corner kick restarts play after the ball goes out of bounds on the end line, and a free kick restarts the action after the referee calls an infraction. A direct free kick can proceed unimpeded into the goal; an indirect kick must be touched by another player before counting as a goal. A dropped ball restarts play for unusual situations not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game.
Penalties
The referee awards a penalty kick for offenses that would otherwise result in a direct free kick that occurs in the penalty box, according to Law 14 on penalty kicks. The most common offenses that lead to penalties are fouls against attacking players and deliberate handling of the ball. A single player makes an attempt on the goal from a penalty mark, with all other players beside the kicker and defending goalkeeper kept outside the penalty box.
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