1. Rules

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Is estimated that soccer has around 3.5 billion fans and 250 million participants around the world. Two hundred and nine countries are associated with FIFA (International Federation of Football Association) – the international governing organization.

Soccer has many intricate rules and regulations. U.S. Soccer has provided us with “Laws of the Game,” a handbook FIFA has created to gain a better understanding of the sport’s rules.

Below are some basic rules you will need to know:

• A soccer match is played by two teams, with each team consisting of 11 players on the field, including the goalkeeper.
• A match consists of two 45-minutes.
• All players must use their feet, head, or chest when playing. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands within their designated area.
• The ball is in play unless it rolls across the touchline, the goal line or the referee stops play.
• To score a goal, the ball must completely cross the goal line. One point is given for each goal.
• The offside rule is one of the most difficult rules to understand. A player is offside only when they are in the oppositions half of the field and closer to the goal line than both the ball and the defender.

Check out the helpful handbook by FIFA for a more in-depth explanation of the rules.

Also, check out a simple breakdown of the offside rule by FIFA.