Essential Rules of Soccer

Basic Rules of Soccer

Touch Lines:

The Touch Line is the Boundary Line of the field. If the ball crosses the vertical ones in the image the ball goes out for a throw in. If the ball crosses the horizontal ones, it goes out for a Goal Kick or a Corner. Depending upon who touched the ball last. Corner Kicks are taken from the corner arc. The ball must be motionless before it is kicked out of the arc.

Penalty Area:

This is the area where the Goalie can handle the ball. He is the only player on the pitch allowed to use his hands. Everyone else can use any part of their body, except from the elbow down. If an opposition player is fouled in the box his team recieves a Penalty Kick. The kick is taken from the penalty spot 12 yards away from the Goal line.

Center Circle:

This is where the game begins. The captain from each team approach the referees and participate in a coin toss. The captain who wins decides if they would rather kick off first or at the start of the second half. The other decides which direction he/she would like to face in the first half. This is also where the ball is taken to after a goal is scored.

Goals:

A goal is scored whent the whole of the ball has crossed the goal line. This has lead to much controversy within modern times. This is why many leagues are adopting the Goal Line Technology. This technology alerts the referee by his/her watch when the ball has completely crossed the line.

Tackles:

There are certain rules when it comes to tackling an opposition player. You cannot challenge them from behind and you have to play the ball. If you fail to do these two things, you could end up with a yellow or a red card. A yellow card is called a caution, while a red card is a straight sending off. If you recieve two yellow cards in one game you recieve a red and have to leave the field for the remainder of the game.

Pitch with Labels