Playing the Game
Football is not a complicated sport. This is one of the major reasons why it is so popular worldwide. Once considered a men's game, women's football has now become a major sporting attraction and receives its fair share of television coverage.
To fully enjoy football, you need to know and understand its rules and how it is played. That's what this article is about—so read on and enjoy!
The Objective of the Game
According to Britannica, the objective of football is to move the ball into the opponent's goal using any part of the body except the hands and arms. While this may sound simple, it requires great skill—and that, in essence, is what we aim to explain here.
The team that scores the most goals wins the match. The Guinness World Record for the most goals scored in a single football match belongs to a game in Madagascar, where a team scored 149 goals in protest against poor refereeing!
The Football Itself
A football is an inflated, hollow ball covered in leather or another suitable material. It must weigh between 410 and 450 grams and have a circumference of 68 to 70 cm.
Match Duration
A standard football match lasts 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves, plus additional stoppage time for injuries. Teams switch ends at halftime, which includes a 15-minute break.
- In league matches, if the score is tied, the game ends in a draw.
- In cup matches, if the score is level after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time (two 15-minute halves) is played.
- If the match remains tied after extra time, a penalty shootout decides the winner.
The Football Pitch
A full-size football pitch must be:
- 100–130 yards long and 50–100 yards wide.
- For international matches: 110–120 yards long and 70–80 yards wide.
Each end of the pitch has a goal (8 ft high × 24 ft wide). In front of the goal is a 6-yard box (goal area) and an 18-yard box (penalty area). The penalty spot is 12 yards from the goal line.
Other important markings include:
- The center circle (20-yard diameter), where kickoffs take place.
- Corner arcs, where the ball is placed for corner kicks.
Basic Rules – The Referee
Every football match is controlled by a referee with full authority to enforce the rules. The referee's decisions are final, though VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology can help overturn incorrect calls.
Two assistant referees (linesmen) assist the main referee.
Equipment & Attire
Football players must wear:
- A jersey (with sleeves).
- Shorts.
- Socks (covering shin guards).
- Football boots (with or without studs).
Goalkeepers may wear tracksuit bottoms and must have a jersey color distinct from other players.
Prohibited items:
- Jewelry (bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings).
- Any dangerous accessories.
Key Rule Modifications
Football rules have seen few major changes in the 20th century. The ball remains in play unless it fully crosses the boundary lines.
- Throw-ins: Awarded when the ball goes out along the sidelines. The throw must be taken with both hands, overhead.
- Free kicks: Given for handballs (except by goalkeepers in their area).
- Penalties: Awarded for handballs inside the penalty box.
- Corners & Goal Kicks:
- Corner kick: If the defending team last touched the ball before it went out.
- Goal kick: If the attacking team last touched it.
Essential Information for Players
The Football Association (FA) released a player guidelines handbook (available in seven languages) before the 2021/22 season, covering:
- Suspension lengths for red cards.
- Yellow card limits before automatic bans.
- Social media conduct post-match.
- Anti-doping rules.
- Betting and match-fixing regulations.
- Discrimination reporting procedures.
The handbook can be downloaded from theFA.com, with a mobile app available on Apple and Google Play.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has improved your understanding and enjoyment of football! Whether you're a player or a fan, knowing the rules enhances the experience of the beautiful game.
