Soccer Rules Explained – What Every Fan Should Know

Ever watched a game and wondered why a goal was disallowed or why a player got a yellow card? The answer lies in the rules. Below is a quick rundown that clears up the most common questions without drowning you in jargon.

The 17 Laws of the Game Made Simple

FIFA’s official rulebook lists 17 laws, but you only need to remember a handful to follow a match. Law 1 sets the field size and markings – the big rectangle with the centre circle, penalty areas and goal lines. Law 2 covers the ball; it must be size 5 for adults and made of approved material. Law 3 deals with the number of players – eleven per side, plus up to three substitutes.

Law 4 is the referee’s job. One main referee runs the game, assisted by two linesmen (assistant referees) and a fourth official for substitutions. Law 5 explains the referee’s powers – they can stop play, issue cards and add stoppage time.

Law 6‑10 cover fouls and misconduct. A direct free‑kick is given for serious offences like tripping or handball, while an indirect free‑kick follows less severe infractions such as dangerous play. A yellow card warns a player; a second yellow becomes a red, which means they leave the field.

Law 11 talks about the offside rule – a player is offside if they’re nearer to the opponent’s goal line than the ball and the second‑last defender when the ball is played. It sounds tricky, but think of it as “no hanging out near the goal waiting for a pass”. Law 12‑14 cover set pieces: throw‑ins, goal kicks, corner kicks and the way they’re taken. Law 15 deals with the penalty kick – a one‑on‑one shot from 12 yards with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Law 16 covers the start and restart of play – kick‑offs, dropped balls and the referee’s signal to begin. Law 17 simply states that the law book can be changed, which is why you sometimes hear about new VAR rules.

Common Mistakes to Watch and How They Affect the Game

Fans often get confused by handball calls. Not every touch counts – the ball must touch a player’s hand or arm deliberately. If the arm moves naturally with the body, it’s usually ignored.

Another frequent mix‑up is the offside trap. Players think staying behind the last defender always avoids offside, but the ball’s position matters too. If the ball is passed forward when a teammate is still onside, the offside flag drops.

Yellow cards can pile up fast. A player who gets two in one match is sent off, and they miss the next game. Knowing who’s on a caution helps you predict tactics – a defender with a yellow might play more cautiously, opening space for attackers.

Set pieces are golden scoring chances. Watching the wall formation on free‑kicks or the runner’s route on corners can tell you which team is likely to score. Teams often practice these moves, so a well‑timed run can break a deadlock.

Finally, remember stoppage time. The referee adds minutes for injuries, substitutions and time‑wasting. Don’t be surprised if a goal is scored in the 90+4 minute – it’s still part of regular time.

Understanding these basics helps you enjoy the game more. Next time you watch a match, you’ll spot the reasons behind every call and appreciate the strategy behind each play.