Understanding the Rules of Soccer
A Guide For Parents and Supporters
Hello Soccer Parents!
If you’re new to the world of youth soccer, or even if you’ve been a sideline supporter for a while but still find some of the rules perplexing, this guide is for you (and my own Mum!). Let’s break down some of the fundamental rules in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
The Basics
Objective of the Game:
The primary objective in soccer is straightforward – to score more goals than the opponent. A standard game is played over two halves, each lasting 45 minutes for professional levels, but is usually shorter for youth games.
The Soccer Field:
A soccer field is rectangular, with a goal at each end. The size of the field can vary depending on the age group of the players. Lines on the field include sidelines, end lines (goal lines), a halfway line, and a penalty area in front of each goal.
Key Rules
Kickoff:
Every game starts with a kickoff in the centre of the field. The team that wins the coin toss decides which goal it will attack in the first half. The other team kicks off to start the game and the roles are reversed after halftime.
Offside:
Perhaps one of the more confusing rules, and often not observed for younger players until about age 14, offside is called when a player is positioned closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent (usually the last outfield player) at the moment the ball is played to them. Offsides can only occur in the half of the pitch that contains the opponent’s goal.
Fouls and Penalties:
Common fouls include tripping, pushing, and handball (when the ball touches a player’s arm or hand, unless the hand is next to the body and not making the body unnaturally bigger). Serious fouls may result in a yellow (not good) or red (even less good) card. Free kicks are awarded for lesser offences and can be direct (you can score by kicking the ball directly into the goal) or indirect (the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored). Penalties are awarded for fouls within the penalty area and are taken from the penalty spot near the goal.
Throw-ins, Goal Kicks, and Corner Kicks:
Throw-ins are awarded when the ball completely crosses the sideline and is thrown back into play from the point where it crossed the line.
Goal kicks are given when the offensive team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line without scoring a goal. The ball is kicked back into play from the penalty area.
Corner kicks occur when the ball crosses the goal line (but not into the goal), last touched by the defender. The ball is kicked back into play from the corner nearest to where it went out.
Supporting Your Child
Overall, encourage fair play and good sportsmanship, which are fundamental to soccer at all levels. Soccer is a beautiful game that brings people together, and your involvement as a supportive parent helps enrich that experience for your child, no matter their level of play.
Coach Dan
