International Soccer Rules - Introduction

Soccer is by far the most popular sport played around the world. About half of the population in
the world enjoyes soccer as a sport and it is really amazing how popular soccer has become
considering that it has been around for only about 150 years.
Some Nations such as Argentina, Brazil, England, Italy etc. are deemed as "Soccer Countries"
because of the huge fan passion for this sport. Soccer is pretty much a religion in these
Countries.
World Cup is the biggest event that happens every four years and brings the best Countries to
compete against each other. During this great event International Soccer Rules have to be
followed by the players and enforced by the referees.
There are 17 International Rules of Soccer that have been written by World Soccer Governing
Body, FIFA. These Rules of International Soccer do not differ from the official soccer rules
followed by every major league of soccer around the world.
Rules of International Soccer are enforced by the referee to keep the game clean, fast and
under control.

International Soccer Rules or the 17 Rules of International Soccer

International Soccer Rules - 1. The Field

The field of play is the surface on which the soccer game is played and is one rule that is
different in International matches than in league matches.
According to official soccer rules for International Soccer, field has to be:
Field length: minimum 100 Meters (110 yards) and Maximum 110 Meters (120 yards) and the
Field width: minimum 64 Meters (70 yards) maximum 75 Meters (80 yards). The field has to
have a rectangular shape with the length being longer than the width.
Each goal is 7.32 meters long and 2.44 meters high. Diametar of the center circle is 18.30
meters and the distance between the penalty spot and the goal is 11 meters according to
international rules of soccer.
International Soccer Rules - 2. The Ball
The official soccer rules show that the ball has to be between 68 and 70 centimeters in
circumference and the weight has to be between 410 to 450 grams. Soccer ball tends to be
made out of leather or other similar material.
International Soccer Rules - 3. The Number of Players
Each team starts the game with 10 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper. Goalkeeper has to wear a
different color jersey so he/she can be easily distinguished from other players and the referee.
Each team is allowed to have 7 players on the bench and use maximum of 3 substitutions
during any competitive soccer match. The player substituted is not allowed to come back into
the game once he/she is out. Minimum number of players is 7 outfield players and a goalkeeper
according to rules of international soccer.
International Soccer Rules - 4. Player's Equipment
Every player on the same team has to wear the same color jersey, shorts and socks, matching
the rest of the team. Each player is also required to wear shinguard's and soccer shoes or
cleats. Any piercings or jewelry has to be covered and taped up for safety according to the
official rules of soccer.
International Soccer Rules - 5. The Referee
Just like every sport out there, soccer needs officials to keep the game under control as well.
The referee will enforce the 17 Laws of Soccer International Rules.
The Center Referee is helped by the two linesman referees and a fourth referee that shows
injury time, enforces substitutions and keeps the coaches in their area. Lately we have also
seen 2 additional referees, one behind each goal to help the Center Referee with close calls on
goal and penalty area as the rules of international soccer state.
International Soccer Rules - 6. Assistant Referee's
Assistant referees are the two linesman on each half of the field and opposite sides. The
linesman is there to help the center referee with offside, out of bounds, fouls, goals and any
other rule obstructions. The linesman can signal but the center referee is the one that decides
on weather to blow his/her whistle or let the game continue. Lately we have also been
introduced to additional two referees that are behind each goal. Their job is to make sure that
everything happening inside the penalty box is legal.
International Soccer Rules - 7. Duration of the Game
The official soccer match is played in two 45 minute half's with 15 minute break in between. The
clock does not stop for out of bounds or any other reason that the game may be stopped. At the
end of each half the center referee adds extra time, usually 3 minutes.
A soccer match can go for additional two 15 minute half's if the game is tied during a knockout
type of match where the winner has to be decided. If the game is still tied after the extra time
penalties will decide the winner as international rules of soccer state.
International Soccer Rules - 8. Start and Restart of play
Each soccer match starts off with a kick off from the center and the game is restarted from
center after each goal scored.
When the ball goes out of play on the sidelines, the game is stopped and the player touching
the ball last concedes a throw in. The play is restarted by the opposing team throwing the ball
back into play.
Goal kick is awarded when the attacking team touches the ball last before it crosses behind the
defending teams goal line. Game is restarted by kicking the ball into play from the goalkeepers
safety box. If a defender touches the ball last before it crosses the defending teams goal line a
corner kick will be awarded. The game is resumed once the attacking player puts the ball back
into play from a corner closest to where the ball went out.
Indirect free kick is awarded when a team produces a non-penal foul, game is stopped by the
referee, or the ball is picked up by the goalkeeper after it was deliberately passed to him/her by
a teamate. The game is restarted with a ground kick that cannot be taken towards goal
according to international rules of soccer.
Direct free kick is caused by a foul or handball and unlike the indirect free kick it can be struck
directly towards the goal.
Penalty kick is awarded after a handball or a foul is committed inside the penalty area. The
game is restarted by the attacking player taking a clear shot on goal from 11 meters out. Its 1 vs
1 with the goalie and in most cases goal is scored.
Dropped ball happens when the referee stops the play for a special reason such as injury,
defective equipment, or any other external factor. The game is restarted by the referee dropping
the ball in between two players who will in most cases give the ball back to the team that had
the possession when the game was stopped.
International Soccer Rules - 9. Ball In and Out of play
According to the International rules of soccer, ball is in play all throughout the match until it
completely leaves the field of play marked by the bounding lines that form a rectangle. The
complete circumference of the ball has to go out of bounds for it to be out of play. When the ball
goes out of play, it is restarted by a throw in or a goal kick. Substitutions can also take place
when the ball goes out of play.
International Soccer Rules - 10. Methods of Scoring
As long as the ball is in play and no infringement of soccer rules are caught by the referee any
player on the field can score goals. A goal is scored when the whole circumference of the
soccer ball crosses the goal line where the goal is. Rules of International soccer state that goals
can be scored with any part of the body except the arms.
International Soccer Rules - 11. Offsides
Offside is called by the linesman referee against the attacking player that is in advantage on
goal when the ball is last played by his/her teammate. Being in advantage means that the
attacking player finds him/herself in the position to be 1 vs 1 with the goalie before the ball is
played to him/her. International rules of soccer state that offside is restarted by the defending
team kicking the ball back into play from where offside infringement was made.
International Soccer Rules - 12. Fouls and Misconduct
Fouls happen when a player unintentionally kicks or trips another player while going for the ball.
Misconduct happens when a player intentionally kicks, trips, swears, spits or does anything to
disrupt the sportsmanship in this sport. Fouls can only occur when the ball is in play but
misconduct can happen when the ball is out of play as well. The referee will decide on a
disciplinary action of the player.
International Soccer Rules - 13. Free Kicks
Free kick is awarded to a player that was tripped, pushed, kicked or obstructed in any way while
in possession of the ball. Free kick can be taken directly on goal and the wall has to be 9.15
meters from where the ball is placed.
International Soccer Rules - 14. Penalty Kick
Penalty kick is awarded to the attacking team when their player is fouled inside the penalty box
or if the defender handles the ball with his/her hands. The game is stopped and referee points to
the white dot located 11 meters from the goal. Everyone has to be outside the penalty box when
the shot is taken and it is simply attacker vs the goalkeeper shot from 11 meters out. When the
ball is kicked it is officially in play and the game is continued.
International Soccer Rules - 15. The Throw In
Throw in is awarded when the whole circumference of the ball goes out of play on the sidelines.
Ball is awarded against the player who last touched the ball. Official soccer rules state that the
player taking the throw in has to keep his feet outside the side line, with both feet touching the
ground and the actual throw in must be executed with the ball over the thrower's head.
International Soccer Rules - 16. Goal Kick
Soccer game is restarted many times using a goal kick. Goal kick is awarded to the defending
team once the attacking player last touches the ball before it crosses the defending teams
byline or goal line. Rules of international soccer state that the ball has to be kicked hard enough
to leave the penalty area or the kick will be re taken.
International Soccer Rules - 17. Corner Kick
Corner kick happens when the ball crosses the goal line of the defending team and is also last
touched by the defending player. Corner kick is considered a direct free kick from the corner
side where the ball went out. The ball has to be placed inside the corner arc and the defender
has to be 9.15 meters away from the ball.
 SOCCER
Soccer is a game that has very early origin. The Greeks played a form of soccer called
Harpston, which means to "propel forward." Throwing was the most commonly used method of
advancing the ball. The Romans then sent the game to England. They were the ones that
limited ball advancement to kicking with the feet or striking with hands. It was a military sport for
the training of warriors. The name of Football was attached because of the use of the feet in ball
advancement. Modern day Soccer as we know it started on October 26, 1863, when the
captains of 11 London-area amateur football clubs met at Freemason's Tavern on Great Queen
Street and formed the London Football Association. Today there are 17 laws of the game. The
laws of the game have two main objectives: 1) the control of the game, and 2) the protection of
the players. Some form of soccer was played in American Colleges as early as 1830. At the
present time, soccer is played in more than 55 countries. In most of these countries it is a
national sport.
We should engage teenager to play soccer and build an organization in the school for them to
have a proper training and have a regular practice in school. This sport is the best sport
because it is easily accessible and playable: one of the biggest reasons soccer is the most
popular sport in the word is that anyone can play at any time. Soccer not only requires all the
greatest in physical, technical, and tactical ability, but it presents challenging yet obtainable
obstacles that can be enjoyed anywhere at any time by anyone. It fulfills all of the assessed
factors, and in most cases, to a great extent. Soccer also give many benefits to students/player
who been part of the organization. Soccer is loads of fun. And there are plenty of benefits of
playing soccer when it comes to your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It's great for
your fitness and physique, and it affects your mood, emotions, and mental state, too. Whether
it’s increased self-esteem, developed friendships, or improved mood, focus, and empathy,
playing soccer can improve your life in many ways. And that's besides the staggering array of
life skills that it develops such as discipline, hard work, communication, leadership, and
teamwork. This benefits will helps the entire school to promote this organization to have more
participants to be part of this said Organization.
While there are many benefits of playing soccer in regards to your physique and fitness, it also
has loads of great benefits when it comes to your emotional and mental well-being. For
instance, besides developing your self-confidence and self-esteem, soccer can also help with
your resilience, mental strength, and analytical and problem-solving skills. In addition to this, it
also helps with everything from your strength and stamina to your social skills, self-control, and
sense of responsibility. Also soccer is inclusive to all genders, it doesn't care if you're a girl, boy
or trans. You don’t have to be “masculine” to be successful as a soccer player, you can be just
as good as a male or even better. Soccer doesn’t care if you have abs, or muscular biceps.
Physical features don't deter someone. You determine your own strength and creativity when
you are practicing, and when you are playing a game. It’s about you, your skills, and your
teammates to work together. Which means that unlike other sports like football, soccer is
inclusive to everyone. In conclusion, soccer is the best sport in the world because it is based
on creativity and skill, not physical strength, it is a great sport that brings people together, and it
is a sport that will not care whether you are male or female. Soccer will be your escape from
you daily life, and will give a passion to strive for success, no matter what.