All 17 Laws of Soccer

The 17 Laws of the Soccer Game.

Law 1: The Field of Play

Dimensions:

- The field of play is rectangular and typically ranges between 100-110 meters (110-120 yards) in length and 64-75 meters (70-80 yards) in width for international matches. The dimensions may vary for other levels of play but must conform to these minimum and maximum measurements.

Markings:

- The field is marked with several lines:

- Sidelines: The longer boundaries of the field.

- Goal lines: The shorter boundaries where the goals are located.

- Goal area: A rectangular area extending 6 yards from each goal post and 6 yards into the field.

- Penalty area: A larger rectangular area extending 18 yards from each goal post and 18 yards into the field.

- Penalty spot: Located 12 yards from the goal line, directly in front of the center of the goal.

- Corner arc: A quarter-circle with a radius of 1 yard marked at each corner where the corner kicks are taken.

- Center circle: A circle at the center of the field with a radius of 9.15 meters (10 yards), where the kick-off occurs at the start of each half and after a goal is scored.

Goals:

- Positioned centrally on each goal line, consisting of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flags and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar.

Nets:

- Attached securely to the goal frame and ground behind the goal line.

Field Condition:

- The field must be in a playable condition, free from hazards and obstacles that could endanger the safety of players.

Purpose:

- The specifications and markings of the field of play ensure consistency and fairness in the game of soccer. They provide the framework within which the match is played, with clearly defined boundaries and areas that regulate the movement and activities of players.

Law 2: The Ball

Specifications:

- The soccer ball is spherical and typically made of leather or other suitable materials.

- Size: The standard size used in most adult matches is Size 5, with a circumference of 68-70 cm (27-28 inches) and a weight of 410-450 grams (14-16 ounces).

Quality:

- The ball must be of good quality and suitable for the playing surface and match conditions.

- It should be inflated to the appropriate pressure, as specified by the manufacturer.

Color and Markings:

- The ball should be of a contrasting color to the field and goal posts to ensure visibility for players and officials.

- It may feature additional markings or logos approved by the competition authorities.

Replacement:

- If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match, play is stopped, and the match is restarted with a drop ball at the place where the ball was located when play was stopped.

Purpose:

- Law 2 ensures that the soccer ball used in matches meets specific standards regarding size, weight, and quality. This standardization helps maintain fairness and consistency in the game, allowing players to focus on their skills and tactics rather than variations in equipment.

Law 3: Number of Players

Team Composition:

- Each team consists of 11 players, including one goalkeeper.

Substitutes:

- Substitutions are allowed during a match to replace players with fresh substitutes.

- In most competitions, teams are allowed to make up to 3 substitutions per match.

- Substituted players may not re-enter the field of play, except for the goalkeeper in certain circumstances (e.g., if they are injured).

Minimum Number of Players:

- A match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than 7 players on the field, including the goalkeeper.

Changing Goalkeepers:

- If a team wishes to change their goalkeeper during the match, they may do so with the referee's permission and during a stoppage in play.

Purpose:

- Law 3 ensures that each team has a standard number of players on the field, promoting fairness and balance in competition.

- Substitution rules allow teams to maintain player fitness and tactical flexibility throughout the match.

- The minimum player requirement ensures that matches can proceed under reasonable conditions, even if teams are temporarily reduced in numbers due to injuries, send-offs, or other reasons.

Law 4: Player's Equipment

Basic Requirements:

- Shirt: Players must wear jerseys or shirts with sleeves. The color of the shirt must be distinguishable from that of the opposing team and the referees.

- Shorts: Players must wear shorts.

- Socks: Players must wear socks that cover their shin guards.

- Shin Guards: Players must wear shin guards made of a suitable material to provide reasonable protection.

- Footwear: Players must wear appropriate footwear. The choice of footwear, including boots, must not pose any danger to themselves or other players. Certain competitions may have specific regulations regarding footwear, such as prohibiting metal studs on artificial turf.

Goalkeepers:

- Must wear colors that distinguish them from other players and the match officials.

Additional Equipment:

- Players may wear additional items of clothing (e.g., gloves, hats) for warmth or protection, provided they are not dangerous to themselves or others.

- Players are permitted to wear head coverings for religious or medical reasons, as long as they are securely fastened and do not pose a risk to the safety of the player or others.

Equipment Check:

- Before the start of the match, the referee or match officials may inspect players' equipment to ensure compliance with the rules.

Prohibited Equipment:

- Players are not allowed to wear any equipment or accessories that are dangerous to themselves or other players, such as jewelry (including rings, earrings, bracelets), watches, or any item made of hard material.

Purpose:

- Law 4 ensures that players wear appropriate and safe equipment during matches, promoting safety and fair play.

- It also helps to ensure that players are easily identifiable on the field by teammates, opponents, and officials.

Law 5: The Referee

Authority:

- The referee has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game during the match.

- Their decisions regarding facts connected with play are final.

Powers and Responsibilities:

- Ensures that the match is played in accordance with the Laws of the Game and their decisions are fair and consistent.

- Controls the match and takes appropriate disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable (yellow card) or sending-off (red card) offenses.

- Stops, suspends, or terminates the match due to any infringements or events that require intervention.

- Allows play to continue until the ball goes out of play if a team infringes the Laws of the Game, unless a more serious offense is committed (advantage law).

- Takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may suspend or terminate the match for their misconduct.

- Ensures that any equipment worn by players complies with the Laws of the Game.

- Acts as timekeeper and may add on additional time (stoppage time) at the end of each half to compensate for time lost due to substitutions, injuries, or other stoppages.

Communication:

- Communicates decisions to players, team officials, and match officials clearly and effectively.

Assistance:

- May consult with assistant referees (linesmen) and the fourth official to make decisions or clarify situations that require additional information.

Decision Making:

- Decisions regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal has been scored, the awarding of penalties, and disciplinary matters, are made solely by the referee.

Purpose:

- Law 5 ensures that matches are conducted in a fair, safe, and orderly manner under the authority and guidance of the referee.

- The referee's presence and decisions uphold the integrity of the game and ensure that all participants adhere to the rules and spirit of soccer.