Soccer is the world's most popular sport, played by hundreds of millions of players and watched by billions of fans. One reason for its global appeal is its simplicity: put the ball in the opponent's goal more times than they put it in yours.

Yet beneath that simple objective lies a detailed set of rules that governs every aspect of the game. From offside decisions and handballs to penalty kicks, substitutions, and Video Assistant Referee (VAR), understanding soccer's rules can transform the way you watch, play, coach, and enjoy the game.

Whether you are a new fan preparing for the FIFA World Cup, a parent learning the sport alongside your child, a player trying to improve your understanding of the game, or a coach teaching beginners, this guide covers everything you need to know about soccer rules in one place.

A sideline referee using her judgement to apply the soccer rules in a UEFA Super Cup Match

Quick Soccer Rules Cheat Sheet

Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of the most important soccer rules.

What Is the Objective of Soccer?

The objective of soccer is simple: score more goals than the opposing team before the match ends.

A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar.

Teams attack one goal and defend the other throughout the match. At halftime, the teams switch ends of the field.

The team with the most goals at the end of regulation time wins. Depending on the competition, tied games may end in a draw, proceed to extra time, or be decided by a penalty shootout.

Soccer Field Dimensions and Markings

A soccer field is rectangular and includes several important markings that affect gameplay.

The Touchlines

The two longest boundary lines are called touchlines. If the ball completely crosses a touchline, play stops, and a throw-in is awarded.

The Goal Lines

The shorter boundary lines are called goal lines. Goals can only be scored when the entire ball crosses a goal line inside the goal.

The Center Circle

Play begins with a kickoff from the center spot. Opposing players must remain outside the center circle until the ball is put into play.

The Penalty Area

The penalty area, often called the 18-yard box, is one of the most important areas on the field.

Inside this area:

• Goalkeepers may use their hands.
• Defensive fouls can result in penalty kicks.
• Special goalkeeper rules apply.

The Goal Area

The smaller rectangle inside the penalty area is called the goal area. Goal kicks are typically taken from this area.

The Corner Arc

This is where Corner kicks are taken from, nearest where the ball crossed the goal line.

Players and Positions

Matches are generally played with 22 players on the field, 11 per team (1 goalie and 10 field players). The rule is that teams must have 7-11 players on the field at the start of the game. Teams would never play fewer than 11 players as a strategy; it would only happen in rare situations when they had fewer than 11 players available. For a full breakdown of the soccer positions, read our article on positions.

Each team begins a match with 11 players:

• 1 Goalkeeper
• Defenders
• Midfielders
• Forwards

The exact number of defenders, midfielders, and forwards depends on the team's formation.

Common formations include:

• 4-3-3
• 4-4-2
• 4-2-3-1
• 3-5-2

The goalkeeper has a different set of rules from field players, primarily due to their permitted use of hands. The other players may not contact the ball with their hands, which will be explained in more detail in the next section (it’s not as simple as it sounds!). The goalkeeper can use their hands within their 18-yard box. Both goals have an 18-yard box marked around them, shown below:

The two 18-yard boxes are shown in blue. Each goalie can use their hands within this space on their side of the field.

There are a few restrictions on goalkeepers to keep the game fair and fluid. They may not hold the ball in their hands for more than 6 seconds, they may not use their hands to receive a pass from a teammate’s feet/legs (chest and head passes can be caught), and once a goalkeeper has released the ball from their hands, they cannot pick it up again until it has touched another player. 

Can a Goalkeeper Score a Goal?

Yes. Goalkeepers may score during normal play, from a goal kick, free kick, or even a corner kick. Although rare, several professional goalkeepers have scored dramatic goals in the final minutes of matches.

Can a Goalkeeper Pick Up a Back Pass?

No. If a teammate deliberately kicks the ball to their goalkeeper using their foot, the goalkeeper cannot pick it up with their hands. Doing so results in an indirect free kick for the opposing team.

How Long Is a Soccer Match?

A standard soccer match consists of:

• Two 45-minute halves
• One 15-minute halftime break

Total playing time is 90 minutes.

Stoppage Time

Unlike in many sports, the game clock continues to run when play stops.

Referees add time at the end of each half to account for:

• Injuries
• Substitutions
• Goal celebrations
• Disciplinary actions
• VAR reviews
• Deliberate time-wasting

This additional time is called stoppage time or added time.

Extra Time

Some tournament matches cannot end in a draw.

If the score remains tied after regulation:

• Two 15-minute periods of extra time are played.
• Teams switch sides after the first period.

If the score remains tied after extra time, the match proceeds to a penalty shootout.

The referee indicating 2 minutes of added time

Scoring and Match Outcomes

How Is a Goal Scored?

A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar.

This is an important detail. The whole ball must completely cross the line. If any portion of the ball remains on or above the line, play continues, and no goal is awarded.

Modern professional competitions often use Goal Line Technology (GLT) to determine whether the ball has fully crossed the line.

What Happens After a Goal?

When a goal is scored:

1. Play stops.
2. The referee signals the goal.
3. The scoring team celebrates.
4. The opposing team restarts play with a kickoff from the center spot.

All players must be in their own half of the field before the kickoff is taken.

Can a Goal Be Scored Directly From Any Restart?

Some restarts allow a direct goal, while others do not.

League Standings and Points

In most soccer leagues around the world:

• Win = 3 points
• Draw = 1 point
• Loss = 0 points

The team with the most points at the end of the season finishes highest in the standings.

This system rewards teams for playing to win rather than simply defending for a draw.

What Happens If a Match Ends Tied?

The answer depends on the competition.

League Matches

Most league matches can end in a draw.

If the score is tied after regulation time:

• Each team receives 1 point.
• The match ends immediately.

Knockout Competitions

Many tournament matches must produce a winner.

If the score is tied after regulation time, the match may proceed to:

1. Extra Time
2. Penalty Shootout

The exact format depends on the competition's rules.

Goal Difference

Many leagues use goal difference as a tiebreaker.

Goal Difference = Goals Scored − Goals Conceded

For example:

• Team A scores 60 goals and concedes 30.
• Goal Difference = +30.

Teams with stronger goal differences are typically ranked above teams with the same number of points.

Every Type of Restart in Soccer

Play is restarted in several different ways depending on how it was stopped.

Kickoff

A kickoff is used to start play at the beginning of each half and to restart the game after a goal is scored. The ball is placed on the center spot, and all players must be in their own half of the field. Players on the opposing team must remain outside the center circle until the ball is kicked and clearly moves.

Once the referee signals for play to begin, a player kicks the ball, and the match is underway. After a goal is scored, the team that conceded the goal takes the next kickoff from the center spot.

A kickoff begins:

• The match
• The second half
• Play after a goal

The ball starts at the center spot.

Throw-In

A throw-in is awarded to one team when the ball goes out of play along either long side of the field (the sides without goals) after touching any player on the opposing team last. The team with the throwin will send one player to take the ball, and they can use their hands to throw the ball in from the point where it left the field.

• The rules of a throw-in are:
  • The throw must be taken from where the ball left the field
  • A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in
  • The thrower must throw the ball with both hands, from behind their head, and over their head
  • The thrower must have both feet on the ground while throwing
  • The thrower must face the play (they cannot throw it backward)
  • The throw-in must enter the field, and cannot bounce outside of the field 
  • The thrower cannot be the next person to touch the ball

Goal Kick

A goal kick is awarded when the attacking team's last touch on the ball is before it crosses the defending team's goal line.

The two goal areas. Goal kicks must be taken from within this area.

Corner Kick

A corner kick is awarded when the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses their own goal line.

Corner kicks often create excellent scoring opportunities.

A corner kick is awarded to one team when the ball goes out of play along the side of the other team’s goal, and it touched an opposing player last. The corner kick will be taken from the corner of the field that is closest to where the ball went out (so if the ball goes out to the right of the goal, the kick is taken from the right corner). The ball must be still and positioned on/in the quarter-circle at the corner. Opponents must remain 10 yards away from the ball until it is kicked, and as always, the kicker cannot be the first person to touch the ball after the kick. Usually, the kicker will cross the ball into a number of teammates making runs towards the opposing goal, who will try to score. It is not uncommon to score like this from a corner kick.

Dropped Ball

A dropped ball occurs when play is stopped for a reason not covered by another restart, such as an injury or outside interference.

Free Kicks in Soccer: Everything You Need to Know

Free kicks are among the most common restarts in soccer and can dramatically influence the outcome of a match. They are awarded when a team commits certain fouls or rule violations. Depending on the nature of the offense, the referee awards either a direct free kick or an indirect free kick.

Understanding the difference between these two types of free kicks is essential for players, coaches, parents, and fans.

What Is a Direct Free Kick?

A direct free kick allows the player taking the kick to score directly without the ball touching another player.

If the ball enters the opponent's goal directly from the kick, a goal is awarded.

Direct free kicks are awarded for the most common fouls, including:

• Kicking an opponent
• Tripping an opponent
• Pushing
• Holding
• Charging
• Dangerous tackles
• Handballs

When a direct free kick is awarded:

• The ball is placed where the foul occurred.
• Opponents must stand at least 10 yards (9.15 meters) away.
• The ball is in play once it is kicked and clearly moves.

Some of soccer's most spectacular goals come from direct free kicks, with players such as Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Juninho Pernambucano, and Cristiano Ronaldo becoming famous for their ability to score from them.

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona preparing to take a free kick

What Is an Indirect Free Kick?

An indirect free kick cannot result in a goal unless another player touches the ball first.

If the ball enters the goal directly from an indirect free kick, the goal does not count.

The referee signals an indirect free kick by raising one arm above their head until another player touches the ball.

Indirect free kicks are typically awarded for technical violations rather than physical fouls.

Examples include:

• Dangerous play without contact
• Goalkeeper holding the ball too long
• Goalkeeper handling a deliberate back pass
• Offside offenses
• Preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball
• Certain procedural violations

Direct vs. Indirect Free Kicks

What Happens If a Free Kick Is Awarded Inside the Penalty Area?

For attacking teams, most direct free-kick fouls committed by defenders inside their own penalty area result in a penalty kick rather than a direct free kick.

Indirect free kicks, however, can still occur inside the penalty area.

These situations often create unusual and exciting scoring opportunities because the defending team is allowed to form a wall on the goal line.

Can You Score Directly From a Free Kick?

• Direct free kick: Yes.
• Indirect free kick: No.

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood soccer rules.

Why Are Free Kicks Important?

Free kicks provide teams with valuable scoring opportunities and reward skillful play. Many professional teams spend significant training time developing attacking free-kick routines and defensive wall organization.

At the highest levels of soccer, a well-executed free kick can change the outcome of a championship, a World Cup match, or an entire season.

Penalty Kicks: Soccer's Most Important Scoring Opportunity

A penalty kick is awarded when a defending player commits a direct free-kick offense inside their own penalty area.

Because the offense prevented a fair attacking opportunity near the goal, the attacking team is given a one-on-one chance against the goalkeeper from the penalty spot.

Penalty kicks are among the highest-percentage scoring opportunities in soccer, with professional players converting approximately 75% to 85% of penalties.

Soccer player Marco Materazzi shoots the penalty (and fails) during the game Inter vs Siena, Meazza stadium, Milan, Italy, 05-11-2008

When Is a Penalty Awarded?

A penalty kick is awarded when a defender commits a direct-free-kick offense inside their own penalty area.

Common examples include:

• Tripping an attacker
• Pushing an opponent
• Holding an opponent
• Reckless tackles
• Deliberate handballs
• Charging an opponent unfairly

The location of the foul is critical.

The same foul committed outside the penalty area results in a direct free kick.

The same foul committed inside the penalty area results in a penalty kick.

Where Is the Penalty Taken?

The ball is placed on the penalty mark, located 12 yards (11 meters) from the center of the goal.

Before the kick:

• The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line between the posts.
• The kicker stands behind the ball.
• All other players must remain outside the penalty area.
• Players must also remain outside the penalty arc.

The referee signals for the kick to be taken.

What Happens After the Kick?

Once the ball is kicked and clearly moves:

• The goalkeeper may attempt a save.
• Other players may enter the penalty area.
• Play continues normally.

If the ball rebounds off the goalkeeper, goalpost, or crossbar, either team may play it.

Can the Kicker Touch the Ball Twice?

No.

The player taking the penalty may not touch the ball again until another player has touched it.

If the kicker touches the ball twice, an indirect free kick is awarded to the defending team.

Goalkeeper Rules During a Penalty

The goalkeeper:

• Must remain on or above the goal line until the kick is taken.
• May move sideways along the line.
• Cannot move significantly forward before the kick.

If the goalkeeper violates the rule and saves the penalty, the referee may order a retake.

What Is Encroachment?

Encroachment occurs when players enter the penalty area before the kick is taken.

Depending on who entered early and the result of the kick, the referee may:

• Allow play to continue
• Order a retake
• Award an indirect free kick

What Is a Panenka?

A Panenka is a penalty technique where the player softly chips the ball down the middle as the goalkeeper dives to one side.

While spectacular when successful, it is also one of the riskiest penalty techniques.

Penalty Kicks vs Penalty Shootouts

Many fans confuse these terms.

Penalty Kick

A restart awarded during normal play after a foul in the penalty area.

Penalty Shootout

A tiebreaking procedure used after extra time in knockout competitions.

They are governed by different rules and serve different purposes.

Fouls in Soccer

Referees award fouls when players violate the Laws of the Game.

Intention is very important in soccer. If the referee feels a clear intention from a player to do anything not allowed, even if for whatever reason it didn’t ultimately happen, it will still be a foul. For example, if a player blatantly tries to kick another player and misses, the referee will treat it the same as if the kick had hit. On the other hand, if a player accidentally kicks another player, it will be penalized much less than an intentional kick, or possibly not penalized at all if it was unavoidable. The general rule in soccer is that players must play the ball, not the opposing players. This means that the intention, focus, and purpose of their movements must be directed toward the ball rather than toward another player. For example, bodying another player to shield the ball is okay, but bodying another player when not around the ball is not allowed. If a player jumps for a header and collides with another player it may be allowed, if a player jumps directly into another player clearly focusing on hitting the player and not winning the header, it’s a foul. 

Common fouls include:

• Kicking an opponent
• Tripping an opponent
• Jumping into an opponent
• Pushing
• Holding
• Charging
• Dangerous play

Soccer is a contact sport, but contact must occur while legitimately challenging for the ball.

Morten Thorsby (UC Sampdoria) fouls Ante Rebic (AC Milan)

What Is a Handball?

Handball remains one of the most debated rules in soccer.

A player may be penalized if:

• They deliberately move their hand or arm toward the ball.
• Their arm is in an unnatural position.
• Their arm makes their body unnaturally bigger.
• The action unfairly affects play.

Not every contact between the ball and an arm is automatically a handball.

Referees evaluate each situation individually.

Common Handball Myths

Myth: Any contact with the arm is a foul.

Reality: Context matters.

Myth: Intent is the only factor.

Reality: Arm position and impact on play are also considered.

Yellow Cards and Red Cards

Referees use cards to manage player behavior.

Yellow Cards

A yellow card is an official warning.

Common reasons include:

• Unsporting behavior
• Persistent fouling
• Dissent
• Delaying restarts

A referee giving a yellow card to Raphael Varane of Real Madrid for a foul

Red Cards

A red card results in immediate dismissal.

Common reasons include:

• Serious foul play
• Violent conduct
• Spitting
• Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity
• Offensive or abusive language

A player who receives two yellow cards in the same match is shown a red card and sent off.

A referee giving a red card to Rachele Baldi of AS Roma (against AC Milan)

Understanding the Offside Rule

The offside rule prevents attackers from gaining an unfair advantage by simply waiting near the opponent's goal.

Offsides is one of the rules with an application that often causes controversy. There are many very specific scenarios and debates around offside in soccer; they are not necessary to dive into in order to understand the concept and general rule. This video explains the basics of offside:

As the video explains, offside is generally about being behind the last opposing defender and ahead of the ball. For a receiver of a pass, they are judged as being offside or not the moment the pass is played to them, rather than the moment they receive the ball. This results in forwards needing to be skilled at timing their runs forward, and defenders having to be very aware of the opposing forwards relative to the offside line, particularly at the moment a pass is being played. It's also worth noting that offside only applies in the opposing half. A player cannot be offside when in their own half of the field.

When Is Offside Judged?

The attacker's position is judged at the moment the ball is played by a teammate, not when the attacker receives it.

Common Offside Questions

Can you be offside in your own half?

No.

Can you be offside from a throw-in?

No.

Can you be offside from a corner kick?

No.

Is every player beyond the defenders automatically offside?

No. They must become involved in active play.

Goalkeeper Rules

Goalkeepers have unique privileges and restrictions.

Goalkeepers may:

• Catch the ball
• Punch the ball
• Throw the ball

But only inside their own penalty area.

Goalkeepers may not:

• Handle a deliberate pass from a teammate's foot
• Hold the ball excessively
• Pick the ball up again after releasing it before another player touches it
•  

The two 18-yard boxes are shown in blue. Each goalie can use their hands within this space on their side of the field.

Substitutions

Most professional competitions allow teams to make up to five substitutions.

Substitutions help:

• Manage fatigue
• Adjust tactics
• Replace injured players

Youth competitions often have different substitution rules.

VAR Explained

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) helps officials review major match-changing decisions.

VAR reviews four categories:

1. Goals
2. Penalty decisions
3. Direct red cards
4. Mistaken identity

The final decision always belongs to the referee on the field.

Why Is VAR Controversial?

Supporters believe VAR improves accuracy.

Critics argue that it interrupts the flow and emotion of the game.

Penalty Shootouts

If a knockout match remains tied after extra time, a penalty shootout determines the winner.

Each team initially takes five penalty kicks.

If the score remains tied, the shootout enters sudden death.

The first team to gain an advantage after both teams have taken the same number of kicks wins.

The 17 Official Laws of the Game

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) maintains the Laws of the Game.

The 17 Laws are:

1. The Field of Play
2. The Ball
3. The Players
4. The Players' Equipment
5. The Referee
6. Other Match Officials
7. The Duration of the Match
8. The Start and Restart of Play
9. Ball In and Out of Play
10. Determining the Outcome of a Match
11. Offside
12. Fouls and Misconduct
13. Free Kicks
14. The Penalty Kick
15. The Throw-In
16. The Goal Kick
17. The Corner Kick

These laws form the foundation of soccer at every level of the game worldwide.

Soccer Rules for Kids

For young players, soccer can be simplified into a few basic principles:

• Don't use your hands unless you're the goalkeeper.
• Stay on the field.
• Respect the referee.
• Play fairly.
• Try to score more goals than the other team.

Learning these basics creates a strong foundation before more advanced rules are introduced.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soccer Rules

Can a goalkeeper score a goal?

Yes. Goalkeepers can score from open play, free kicks, goal kicks, and even corner kicks, just like any field player. While rare, goalkeepers occasionally come forward for late corners and have scored dramatic equalizers, and a long goal kick that bounces over the opposing keeper counts as a goal.

Can a player score directly from a corner kick?

Yes. A goal scored directly from a corner kick without anyone else touching the ball is legal and is known as an "olímpico" goal. It's rare because the kicker must curl the ball from the corner arc directly into the net past the goalkeeper.

Can a player score directly from a kickoff?

Yes. Since 2016, the Laws of the Game allow a goal to be scored directly from a kickoff, and the ball can be played in any direction. A handful of players have scored this way with long-range shots when the opposing goalkeeper was off their line.

What happens if a goalkeeper receives a red card?

The team must continue with one fewer player, but they still need a goalkeeper. Typically, the coach substitutes a backup goalkeeper for a field player, using one of their allowed substitutions. If no substitutions remain, a field player must put on the goalkeeper's jersey and play in goal.

Why is offside so difficult to understand?

Offside depends on three things at once: the attacker's position relative to the second-last defender, the exact moment the ball is played by a teammate, and whether the attacker is actively involved in play. Because all three are judged in a split second, even professional officials rely on VAR and semi-automated technology to get tight calls right.

Can referees change their decisions?

Yes, but only before play restarts. A referee may reverse a call based on their own judgment, input from an assistant referee, or a VAR review. Once play has restarted, the original decision stands, even if it was wrong.

Can a player remove their shirt after scoring?

No. Removing the shirt during a goal celebration results in an automatic yellow card, even if the goal is later disallowed. The rule exists to prevent time-wasting and displays of messages on undershirts.

Is there a mercy rule in soccer?

No. Professional soccer has no mercy rule, and matches are played to the full 90 minutes regardless of the score. Some youth leagues apply their own run-difference rules, but these are local competition rules, not part of the Laws of the Game.

How many substitutions are allowed in soccer?

Most professional competitions allow five substitutions per team, made during a maximum of three stoppages plus halftime. An additional substitution is typically permitted if a match goes to extra time. Youth and amateur leagues often allow unlimited or rolling substitutions.

What is the 6-second rule for goalkeepers?

A goalkeeper may control the ball with their hands for no more than six seconds before releasing it. Holding it longer can result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team, though referees usually warn the keeper before penalizing.

Soccer's rules are designed to create a game that is fair, competitive, and exciting. While concepts such as offside, handball, and VAR can seem complicated at first, understanding the core Laws of the Game allows players, coaches, parents, and fans to appreciate the sport on a much deeper level.

Whether you are watching your first match or coaching your hundredth, mastering the rules is the first step toward truly understanding the beautiful game.

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