The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The object of the game is to score by getting the ball into the opposing goal. The goalkeepers are the only players allowed to touch the ball with their hands or arms while it is in play and only in their penalty area. Outfield players mostly use their feet to strike or pass the ball, but may also use their head or torso to do so instead. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match wins. If the score is level at the end of the game, either a draw is declared or the game goes into extra time and/or a penalty shootout depending on the format of the competition.
Above: A soccer ball crashing into the net of the opposing team, constituting a goal for the attacking side.
Field and Equipment:
The following rules are derived from the set of rules known as the 'Laws of the Game,' formulated in England in 1863 by the 'Football Association.'
- The field is to be 100-110 metres in length, and 64-75 metres in width.
- The boundary lines on the vertical edge of the field (carrying across the length) of the are called touchlines, and the boundary lines on the horizontal edge of the field (across the width) are called bylines.
- Rectangular goals are placed in the middle of each bylines, meaning there is one rectangular goal on each side of the field. The goal is to be 7.32 metres in width (between the vertical posts), and 2.44 metres in height (from the ground to the horizontal post). Nets are generally placed behind the posts, but are not required by official laws.
- In front of the goal is the penalty area. This area is marked by the goal line, two lines starting on the goal line 16.5 metres from the goalposts and extending 16.5 metres into the pitch perpendicular to the goal line, and a line joining them. This area has a number of functions, the most prominent being to mark where the goalkeeper may handle the ball and where a penalty foul by a member of the defending team becomes punishable by a penalty kick. Other markings define the position of the ball or players at kick-offs, goal kicks, penalty kicks and corner kicks.
Above: Standard Pitch Measurements
- Each team consists of a maximum of eleven players (excluding substitutes), one of whom must be the goalkeeper. Competition rules may state a minimum number of players required to constitute a team, which is usually seven. Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to play the ball with their hands or arms, provided they do so within the penalty area in front of their own goal. Though there are a variety of positions in which the outfield (non-goalkeeper) players are strategically placed by a coach, these positions are not defined or required by the Laws.
- The basic equipment or kit players are required to wear includes a shirt, shorts, socks, footwear and adequate shin guards. An athletic supporter and protective cup is highly recommended for male players by medical experts and professionals. Players are forbidden to wear or use anything that is dangerous to themselves or another player, such as jewellery or watches. The goalkeeper must wear clothing that is easily distinguishable from that worn by the other players and the match officials.
- A game is officiated by a referee, who has "full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed", and whose decisions are final. The referee is assisted by two assistant referees. In many high-level games there is also a fourth official who assists the referee and may replace another official should the need arise.
Above: The on-field referee is the primary official in all games.
- Jeremy
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