From www.ussoccerplayers.com

Soccer is not as mysterious as you may have been led to believe. The rules are very simple, and there is one easy way to determine for yourself if something is a foul or not. If it looks like a foul, it probably is.

A great resource for learning the exact rules of the game is the FIFA rule book, which is called the Laws of the Game -- which you can find online at www.fifa.com. But there’s really no need to wade through all the rules. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Don’t Touch
This is as simple as it sounds and everybody you’ve ever talked to about soccer, regardless of their level of soccer knowledge, knows it. You’ve probably said this sentence once or twice yourself -- “All I know about soccer is you can’t use your hands.” The right way to think about it, however, is the player cannot “handle” the ball, and that means touch the ball with any part of the hand or arm. If the ball hits the player in the arm or hand (as opposed to the player handling the ball), it should not be a hand ball. But, if the player’s arm is extended or moving and comes into contact with the ball, a hand ball may be called.

Unless, that is, you are the goalkeeper. Goalies can touch the ball as long as they are within the penalty area, which is the big box that surrounds the goal. It extends 18 yards out from the goal line. Once the goalie leaves the penalty area, he must play the ball like any other player, which means he cannot touch the ball with his hands or arms. The smaller box in front of the goal is the goalie’s box and is six yards long. It serves no good purpose (it is not like a crease in hockey) other than a place to put the ball for goal kicks (more on that later). So, don’t concern yourself with it.

One rule regarding goalkeepers you should know is the back-pass rule. Goalkeepers are not allowed to pick up a pass that came from one of their teammates. The rule was established to keep teams from protecting a lead and wasting time by constantly passing it back to their goalkeeper. If a player passes it to his goalkeeper, the goalie has to play the ball with his feet, or the other team will get an indirect kick (indirect kicks are discussed later) from the spot where the goalie picked up the pass.

2. Fouls
Again, if it looks like it should be a foul, it probably is. You can’t knock someone down, trip him, kick him, push him, punch him, or anything else that is unacceptable to civilized humans.

Basically, you can’t gain an advantage at the expense of an opponent. However, bumping an opponent while competing for a loose ball is okay, as long as it is done without the use of arms, hands, knees, thighs or feet. Once the arms or hands come up, the whistle usually blows.

There is a common shout heard from players who have just been called for a foul – “But I got the ball!” Getting the ball does not make everything okay and legal. The referee’s response should be “Find a different way to get it.” The manner in which players get the ball has to be clean, avoiding excessive contact. The player’s path to the ball can’t be through or over anyone.

There are some non-contact fouls of which to be aware. One is offside, which we will discuss later. Others are obstruction, dangerous plays, and of course, hand balls.

Obstruction is exactly what it sounds like – purposely preventing an opponent from getting to the ball. To be guilty of obstruction, however, intent is factored in, meaning a player without the ball is purposely getting in the way of an opponent who is trying to get to the ball.

Dangerous plays can be classified as trying to kick a ball that is in the air near another player’s head; trying to head a ball that is too close to the ground and another player’s feet; or trying to play the ball when you have fallen on the ground in a way that you might hurt yourself or an opposing player.

3. Throw-Ins
When one team kicks the ball over a sideline and out of bounds, the other team gets a throw-in (some youth leagues might use kick-ins). A throw-in has to be taken with two hands over the head and both feet staying on the ground.

4. Corner kicks, Goal kicks
If the ball goes over one of the endlines, it is either a goal kick or a corner kick depending on which team kicked it out of bounds. If the defensive team kicks it out, it’s a corner kick. If the offensive team kicks it out, it’s a goal kick.

A corner kick is taken from, well, the corner. There is a small arc painted in front of each corner flag. The ball has to be placed in that arc and kicked from within there. A goal kick is placed within that otherwise useless goalie’s box and kicked from there. A goal kick has to leave the penalty area (the 18-yard box) before any other player can play it – the cause of a great many do-overs in youth games.

5. Offside
First of all, if you want to impress other parents, officially it is offside, not "offsides."

Now what you need to know is that the offside rule is really not that confusing. The mystery comes in the explanation, which isn’t always easy to do.

The basics of the rule are that an offensive player cannot be ahead of the ball and involved in the attack unless there is a defender between him and the goalkeeper, which his team is attacking. In other words, you can’t cherry-pick by hanging out behind all the other team’s defenders and waiting for your teammates to boot it up to you.

The rule says there must be two defenders between the attacking player and the goal unless the ball is already ahead of the attacking player. The two players, however, includes the goalkeeper. Generally, it is one defender and the goalkeeper, but in certain situations – like when the goalie is caught out – there may be an attacker in an offside position even though a defender is between him and the goal. This rarely happens because if the goalie is caught up-field, the ball is usually behind him.

A few catches, though. First, you can’t be called offside if you are standing on your half of the field when the ball is kicked. And the key to any offside situation is the phrase “When the ball is kicked.” If there is a defender between an offensive player and the defender’s goal when the ball is kicked, it doesn’t matter where that player is when he or she receives the pass. The offside rule also requires that the player be involved in the attack. Therefore, a player near one sideline who has nothing to do with the play, or a player who is lying on the field hurt and not involved in the attack may not be called offside. Also there is no offside on throw-ins.

6. Direct and Indirect Free Kicks and Penalty Kicks
After any foul the team that was fouled will be awarded a free kick from the spot where the foul was committed. The free kick will either be a direct free kick or an indirect free kick. You can score off a direct kick by kicking the ball directly into the goal; you cannot score off an indirect kick. An indirect kick must touch another player – on either team – before it can go into the net, or it does not count as a goal and the defensive team gets a goal kick. That is why a team with an indirect kick near the opposing team’s goal may have one player tap the ball so a second player can shoot – once the second player has touched the ball, it will be a goal if it goes directly into the other team’s goal even if no one else touches it.

Physical fouls and hand balls are rewarded with direct kicks. Corner kicks are direct kicks. Offside and obstruction are rewarded with indirect kicks.

When a player takes a free kick, including kick-offs, goal kicks, and corner kicks, after he kicks the ball, he cannot touch the ball again until another player touches the ball. Therefore, a player cannot simply start dribbling the ball on a free kick.

Penalty kicks are a special kind of direct kick. Penalty kicks are awarded to a team when the opposing team commits a direct kick foul (for example, a hand ball or a physical foul) in its own penalty area. Instead of placing the ball where the foul occurred, the ball is placed on the penalty spot – precisely twelve yards in front of the center of the goal. Only one player on the attacking team is permitted in the penalty area to take the penalty kick and the goalie is the only defender permitted in the penalty area when a penalty kick is taken. Players must also be outside the arc at the top of the penalty area, in order to give the kicker room to approach the ball. The goalie must start with his heels on the goalline until the ball is kicked by the attacking player. If the ball hits the goalie and stays in the field, it is a live ball and any player can then play it. If the ball hits the post or crossbar, any player – except the one who kicked it – can play it.

7. Yellow and Red Cards
Yellow and red cards are soccer’s punishment system. A yellow card is shown to a player as a warning. Yellow cards can be given for a dirty foul, mouthing off to the ref, wasting time, intentional handballs and bad language and unsportsmanlike conduct, among other things at the discretion of the referee. Most fouls or tussles away from the play are yellow cards. If a player receives two yellow cards in the same game, he is ejected and his team has to play a man down.

Two yellow cards in the same game equal a red card. However, a player can receive a red card without having previously receiving a yellow card. A referee can give a red card to a player without warning. Red cards are given for excessively dirty fouls, throwing punches, language, and intent to injure, among other infractions deemed serious by the official.

An infraction that is supposed to be an automatic red card is tackling from behind – when a player slides in to tackle an opponent from behind in a violent manner.

Coaches can be given yellow and red cards and be sent off the field just as readily as players.

A Summary of the Laws of the Game
Provided by Bob Christensen, Mandan Soccer Club March, 2000



There are 17 laws that govern the play of soccer. I will try to summarize these so that players and spectators know what to expect during a game.


Starts & Restarts:
Kick-Off:
Each half begins with a kick-off. There is also a kick-off after a goal by the team not scoring. The team that is not kicking-off must remain outside the center circle. The kicker must move the ball forward (even slightly), and then may not touch the ball again until someone else has touched it.

Out of Bounds:
The ball is out of bounds when it completely crosses one of the exterior boundaries of the field. If any portion of the ball is on the line, the ball is still in play. The position of the ball, not he player, determines if the ball is still in play. A player may stand completely outside the playing field and as long as any part of the ball is on the line, the ball is still in play and the player can play it.


Throw-In:
When the ball completely crosses the touch (side) line, it is out of bounds and play is restarted with a throw-in. The team who was not the last to touch the ball before it went out of play restarts with a throw-in. The thrower must have at least one foot on or outside the line, must keep both feet on the ground until the ball leaves his or her hands, and must have both hands on the ball from a point behind the head until the ball is released in front of the body. The other team gets to restart with a throw in if the original throwing team does not complete it correctly.

Goal Kick:
Is awarded when the ball goes out past the end (goal) line and was last touched by the attacking team. The ball is placed on or inside the goal box (the smaller box in front of the goal) and must be kicked outside of the penalty area (the larger box) to be in play. If it is touched before leaving the penalty box, the kick is retaken.

Corner Kick:
When the ball goes out past the end line and was last touched by the defending team, a corner kick is awarded the attacking team. The kick is taken from the small, one-yard arc in the corner of the field, by the corner flag. This can go right into the goal, but most teams try to play the ball to another attacking player.

Penalty Kick:
When a defending player commits a penal (major) foul in his or her own penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded to the other team. The penalty must occur within the penalty area, the location of the ball at the time is not important. The ball is placed on the penalty spot, 12 yards from the goal. All players except the kicker (who does not have to be the fouled player) and the goalkeeper must remain outside the penalty area and at least 10 yards from the penalty spot (outside the penalty kick arc). The keeper must remain on the goal line, but may move along it, until it is kicked. Once the ball is kicked it is again in play.

Direct Free Kick (DFK):
Awarded to the other team when a penal (major) foul is committed. The ball is spotted where the offense occurred and the defenders must remain at least 10 yards from the ball until it is first touched. The ball can be struck directly in to the goal, but often the kicking team uses a set play to get the ball to a player in better scoring position. Anyone on the team (not just the fouled player) may take the DFK.

10 Penal (Major) Fouls:
Kicking at an opponent, not the ball. Contact does not have to be made.

Tripping an opponent. The player does not have to fall down.

Jumping at an opponent. Contact does not have to be made.

Charging an opponent violently or from behind.

Striking (hitting) or attempting to strike an opponent.

Pushing an opponent.

When tackling, contacting the opponent before touching the ball.

Holding an opponent.

Spitting at an opponent (red card offense).

Handling the ball deliberately (except the keeper within the keepers own penalty area).






Indirect Free Kick (IFK):
An IFK is awarded when a non-penal (minor) foul is committed. The IFK must be touched by another player before it enters the goal.

Non-Penal (Minor) Fouls:

Dangerous Play: A player does something to endanger himself or others. Most common are high kicks when another players head is near, or low headers near other players feet.

Impeding the progress of an opponent when not within playing distance of the ball. This used to be called obstruction.

Obstructing the Goalkeeper.

The following apply to the goalkeeper within his or her own
penalty area:

Taking more than 4 steps with the ball in hand.

Handling a throw in or kick from a teammate (hands).

Dropping the ball and picking it up again.

Wasting time deliberately.





Red Card Offenses:
(Player is immediately sent off the field and must leave the game)

Serious Foul Play, including penal fouls, where intentional violence endangers the safety of the opponent. This includes vicious tackles from behind.

Violent Conduct such as kicking, hitting, or fighting.

Spitting at anyone.

Denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity. Often by handling the ball or fouling the opponent to avoid a scoring chance.

Offensive, insulting, abusive or threatening language.

Receiving a 2nd caution in the same game (two yellow cards). The ref will show the 2nd yellow, immediately followed by the red card.





Yellow Card Offenses (Cautions):
Unsporting Behavior, including hard fouls.

Dissent by word or action.

Continually breaking the Laws of the Game.

Delaying the restart of play.

Encroaching on a corner or free kick.

Entering, reentering, or leaving the field without the referee's permission.



Advantage Clause:
The referee should not stop play to punish a foul if, in the ref's opinion, it would be in the fouled teams advantage to let play to continue. The ref may (or may not) indicate that he is applying the advantage clause by saying: "Advantage! Play on", or with a sweeping, underhand motion.



Offside:

Offside refers to an attacking player being in an offside position, and is actively involved in play when the ball is played ahead.

A player is in an offside position when there are less than 2 players between him or her and the goal (one is usually the opposing goalkeeper) when the ball is passed ahead to him or her.

Offside can only occur in the attacking half of the field.

An attacking player CAN step off the field to indicate to the ref that he or she is not part of play.

A defending player CANNOT step off the field to place an attacking player offside (caution for unsporting behavior).

No player can be offside when first playing a throw in, goal kick, or corner kick.

No player can be offside when even with, or behind the ball.

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Referees and the Laws:

The referee is always correct! The ref is the ultimate authority during the game. It is pointless to argue with the ref. Law 5 clearly states that the ref is in complete control of the game. The ref's decisions are final and are not subject to protest. The ref has the safety of the players as a chief responsibility. The ref may ask coaches, spectators, and players to leave the area. The ref has the option to cancel the game if, in his or her opinion conditions are unsafe.

The ref has been trained to be in position to observe the play both on and off the ball. The ref is often in the optimal position to see what is going on, and frequently sees things that spectators, or even players, do not see. So give the ref the benefit of the doubt: The ref is always right!

What to Expect Before and During a Game:

Players should show up for the game one hour prior to the start. This will give us time to warm up and go over our starting roster.


Players should show up ready to play: Uniform on. Shin guards on. Shoes on ASAP. Bring water.


Remove all jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches and rings (even the ones we can't see!). These are hazards during the game and the ref will usually ask you to remove them during inspection.


Be ready for inspection. The ref will usually ask the team to line up so he can inspect equipment. Jerseys must be tucked into your shorts, socks must be over your shin guards, shoes must be on, tied, and not have any sharp edges, and all jewelry must be removed.


Substitutions can only be made when our team has possession of the ball during a restart. Subs must be standing at the half line before play stops, and can only enter the field after the ref gives the OK. The sub then calls off the player he or she is replacing, who must leave the field before the sub can come on.


Captains of each team meet with the refs in the center circle right before the game for a brief talk and the coin toss, which will determine who kicks off. The team that loses the toss chooses the goal they will defend, and will kick off the second half.


Halves are 30 minutes long. The center ref keeps time. He can add time as he sees fit.


Players must sit in their designated players area during the game. Spectators must remain at least 10 feet from the field.


Players will line up after the end of the game and shake hands with the opposing team and the officials.


Players will meet after shaking hands in the designated players area for a short coaches talk after each game.


Spectators should cheer for the team!! We need all the encouragement we can get. We have home field advantage for most of our games and we should take advantage of it. Spectators, please keep your cheers positive: Cheer for our team, but please don't boo the other team or the officials. Without these guests, we would have no games!!

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Officials Signals:

The only signal that the ref is required to give is an upraised arm to indicate an Indirect Free Kick. The ref does not have to explain any call on the field to anybody, but will often respond to a polite question from a player (especially the team captain). The following signals are normally given after a whistle, except for Advantage/Play on, which is executed during the run of play without a whistle.

Goal Kick: Ref points towards the half line with one hand.

Corner Kick: Ref points to corner flag with one hand.

Penalty Kick: Ref points to penalty spot.

Indirect Free Kick (IFK): Ref raises one arm and keeps it up until another player touches the ball.

Advantage/Play On: Ref performs a sweeping underhand motion with both hands, palms up.