Rules of the game

Prior to the FA’s foundation, each club adhered to their own regulations, and match rules were often only decided on the
day. The meeting in 1863 saw the drawing up of a universal code which provided the foundations on which future
amendments could be made. The current ‘laws of the game’ are monitored by the domestic Football Associations and
FIFA. The following is an interpreted list of those laws, minus much of the detail which is applicable only to prospective
referees and to ensure a particular game conforms exactly to official FIFA standards. If you want to educate yourself on
the minutiae,
Fairplay in football

Alongside the laws of the game, FIFA advocates a Fair Play programme. Based around a number of rules, typically
involving abstract ideas, they are intended to inform footballers and spectators on proper behaviour on and off the field:

• Play fair on the field.

• Play to win but accept defeat properly.
• Observe the Laws of the Game.
• Respect everyone involved in the game.
• Promote football’s interests.
• Honour those who defend football’s reputation.
• Reject any corruption, drugs, racism, violence and other harmful vices.
• Help others to do exactly the same.
• Denounce any who discredits the integrity of football.
• Use football to make a better world.
Basics of football

At its core, football is a game with two teams of eleven players, played over the course of 90 minutes. This period is split
into two 45-minute halves. The objective of the game is to score more ‘goals’ than the opposition. The term ‘goal’ refers to
two areas either side of the pitch, each one defended by one of the teams. A ‘goal’ is scored by depositing the ball into the
opponent’s area.

Field of play

Football can be played on a natural or artificial (e.g. Astroturf) surface. However, the shape of the field must be
rectangular, with the dimensions of 90-120 metres long by 45-90 metres wide. Notably, the guidelines for international
matches are stricter (100-110 metres x 64-75 metres).

• Goal Area: Starts 5.5 metres from each goalpost and extends 5.5 metres out, with the two lines joining vertically
• Penalty Area: Starts 16.5 metres from each goalpost and extends 16.5 metres out, with the two lines joining
vertically.
• Flagpost: Placed at each corner, with a quarter-circle on the field (1 metre in radius).
• Goals: 7.32 metre area between the posts, and 2.44 metres high. The posts cannot exceed 5 inches in width.
The ball

Naturally spherical, with a circumference of 27-28 inches.

Number of players

One of the eleven is classified as the goalkeeper and permitted to handle the ball in his team’s penalty area. The eleven
players are supplemented by the option to bring on a maximum of three substitutes from a pre-decided list of three to
seven players (the number of substitutes permitted is slightly higher for international friendly matches).

In order to bring on a substitute, the referee must first be informed and then there has to be a break in the play (for
example, a free-kick or a throw-in). The substitute then comes on as a replacement for one of the 11 current players.

Equipment

Basic equipment is the team jersey, shorts, shinguards with socks and studded boots or trainers depending on the
surface. The goalkeeper is also permitted gloves and a different coloured jersey for identification purposes.

Referee

The referee adjudicates the match in collaboration with two linesmen (properly referred to as ‘referee’s assistants’) and a
fourth official, situated on the touchline, if necessary. The referee’s tasks include acting as a timekeeper (although with
advice on the amount of ‘injury time’ to be added on to the 45 minutes each half to compensate for injuries and other
stoppages), awarding free kicks and penalties and generally dealing with anything requiring a ruling. Can also choose to
allow play to proceed in case of a foul, providing there is an ‘advantage’ to be gained by the team against which the foul
has been committed.

Assistant referees

Follow play from their respective touch lines and help to decide on throw-ins, corner kicks and goalkicks along with offside
decisions (although naturally the referee has the final say). Can also draw the referee’s attention and advise on or alert
him/her to any on-field activity, which can influence all manner of decisions. To signify their decision or grab the referee’s
attention, they wave a brightly coloured small flag, which they keep at all times.

Duration of the match

The match officially lasts 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves with a half-time interval of no longer than 15 minutes.

In the knock-out stages of competitions, extra-time is used if there is no winner after 90 minutes. This extra period is 30
minutes, split into two 15 minute halves. If extra-time does not find a winner, then a penalty shoot-out takes place, where
five players from each team are selected and alternate shots on goal from the penalty spot against the opposition
goalkeeper. In that instance, the team with the most successful penalties is declared the winner. If they are still tied then
they will move on to sudden-death penalties, where each team will take one penalty until one of the two sides has scored
move than the other after the side amount of spot kicks.

Start and restart of play

A coin toss takes place just before the game starts, the winner of which will get the choice of choosing which end to attack
or whether to kick-off. Should they choose to kick-off then the other captain will be allowed elect which end to attack in the
first half. Should the winner decide to choose which end to attack then the loser can choose whether to kick-off in the first
or second half.

The kick-off is also used after a goal has been scored, the task befalling the team who has conceded, and for both halves
of extra-time.

At the kick-off, players from each side must all be in their half of the field. The actual kick-off takes place on the centre
spot in the centre circle. The player who kicks off cannot touch it again until another player has made contact.

Scoring

A team can only score if the whole ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts. The winner is the team who scores
more goals, except in a competition where the ‘away goals’ rule applies. The ‘away goals’ rule means that, if a team
scores a goal away from their home stadium, the goal counts extra (therefore, a 1-1 scoreline would mean the away team
wins).

Offside

The perennial problem for newcomers to football is understanding the offside rule. This is made somewhat harder by the
fact there are two elements to offsides in football; being in an offside position, and committing an offside offence.

To be in an offside position is to be closer to the opponent’s goal than the last opposition outfield player (therefore
excluding the goalkeeper) and the ball. However, to commit an offside offence is to have the ball played forward towards
you while in that position. As such, you can be in an offside position and not commit an offside offence.

The rule is further complicated by the fact the referee or his assistant must adjudge you to be ‘active’ in the play before
giving an offside decision against you. This can be obvious, for example if you touch the ball in an offside position, but it
can be extremely nebulous. The official rule states ‘active’ as meaning “interfering with play… or an opponent… or gaining
an advantage by being in that position”. However, as you will find as you watch more and more games, what one referee
or linesman considers to be active can be very different to another individual’s interpretation, and the offside rule is
generally a major debating point.

There are other factors to consider which can exempt you from the offside rule. You cannot be offside in your own-half of
the pitch, for example, and you cannot be penalised for being in an offside position when a goal kick, throw-in, indirect
free kick or corner kick is taken.

Fouls and misconduct

A foul can take place anywhere on the pitch, and a free kick is awarded where that foul takes place (excepting fouls in the
penalty area, which result in a penalty kick). The referee can choose simply to award the foul, speak to the player about
his conduct or take matters further.

Punishment for offences

If the single infraction is deemed serious enough or the culprit persistently offends during a match, the referee can choose
to take extra action against a particular individual:

• Yellow Card - A ‘caution’ given to a player. If two of these cards are shown to the same player, it means a…
• Red Card - Showing a red card to a player means he/she is expelled from the match. A straight red card (no
previous ‘caution’) can be shown for extreme offences such as serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting, deliberate
hand-ball to prevent a goal, a professional foul (denying a goalscoring opportunity) and insulting language and/or
gestures.
Free kicks

Whenever a free kick is taken, the opposition must be at least 10 yards away from the ball until it is delivered. If this rule is
not adhered to, the kick is retaken. There are two types of free kick awarded, depending on the nature of the offence:

• Direct free kick - Allows the team to take a direct shot at the opponent’s goal. Awarded as a result of fouls with
evidence intent to harm or reckless/excessive force (e.g. a sliding tackle which takes the player first, shirt-pulling and
a deliberate hand-ball).
• Indirect free kick - A direct strike on goal is not permitted, meaning any shot must come from the second player
to touch the ball after the kick is taken. If a direct strike is successfully made on goal, a goal kick to the opposition is
given. An indirect free kick is awarded for any foul which is dangerous or impedes an opponent.
An indirect free kick can be awarded in the case of a passback offence, a fairly uncommon foul in the game. This is given
if one team’s player passes the ball to the keeper, who immediately picks it up rather than taking a touch with his feet. The
free kick is subsequently taken wherever the goalkeeper picked the ball up.

Penalty kick

A penalty kick is awarded for offences taking place in the penalty and goal area. A nominated member of the team
awarded the penalty is allowed a strike at goal from the penalty spot (see the image in the ‘field of play’ section), with only
the goalkeeper to beat. The goalkeeper must remain on his line until the ball has been kicked, and all other players must
be outside the area behind the penalty spot. After he has taken the kick, he cannot strike the ball again without another
player touching the ball.

Throw-in

A throw-in is awarded when the whole ball crosses the touch line (conceded by the team who last touched the ball). It is
delivered off the field of play with both hands and from behind and over the deliverer’s head. Otherwise it is deemed to be
a ‘foul throw’ and a throw-in is given to the opposition. It cannot go direct to the goalkeeper’s hands (if on the same team)
and you cannot score directly from a throw-in.

Goal kick

Awarded once the whole ball crosses the goal line if it last touched an opposition player. The ball is kicked from anywhere
in the goal area outfield, but must cross the penalty area line.

Corner kick

Awarded once the whole ball crosses the goal line of the opposition, after last touching one of their players. Taken from
the corner of whichever side the ball exited the field, in the prescribed quarter-circle space. Opponents must be 10 yards
from the corner arc and the kicker cannot touch the ball a second time without contact from someone else beforehand (or
the opponent receives an indirect free kick).

Yellow Cards

The idea for the yellow card was conceived by British referee Ken Aston during the 1966 World Cup finals as a way of
giving a warning that could be understood by all nationalities. Yellow cards were first used in English leagues in 1976 but
their use was stopped in 1981 for six years because referees were believed to be using them too readily. Today, a yellow
card is used when an offence is perceived to be too minor to be sent off straight away and too serious for a verbal caution.

Two yellow cards in one match results in a Red Card, meaning the player is sent off for the rest of the game. A yellow
card can be given at any time during the match, including half time and it does not just refer to misconduct by players. If
substitutes conduct an offence, they can also be given a yellow card.

At the end of the day, it is down to the referee to make judgements about a player’s actions and the punishment they
deserve. However, below are the offences that officially warrant a yellow card:

• Wasting time in order to delay the match restarting.

• Offensive behaviour through words or action, e.g. swearing or aggressive play.
• Unsporting behaviour, e.g. extravagant celebrations or removing shirt after goal scoring.
• Failure to maintain the 10 yard distance required when a corner kick or throw-in is being taken.
• Entering or leaving the field of play without the referees permission.
• Persistent infringement of the laws of the game e.g. repeated fouls.
A substitute can be given a yellow card for:

• Wasting time in order to delay the match restarting.

• Offensive behaviour through words or action, e.g. swearing or aggressive play.
• Unsporting behaviour, e.g. extravagant celebrations or removing shirt after goal scoring.

Red Cards
A red card is the heaviest punishment the referee can give to a player. The offender must leave
the field at once, and he may well be banned for at least one further match. One he is gone, he
cannot be replaced by a substitute; his team must continue with one less man. In the English
Premier League there is an automatic three-match ban, although players can appeal against this.

Because they are so powerful, red cards are reserved for very bad behaviour such as violence,
abuse or deliberate cheating. A red card can stain an entire team’s performance in a tournament,
taking their players out of crucial games and sapping the morale of the squad.
The offences that warrant a red card are defined in FIFA’s Laws of the Game

1. Being guilty of ‘serious foul play’ (for instance, a very dangerous tackle).
2. Violence.
3. Spitting at an opponent or other person.
4. Denying the other side an opportunity to score by handling the ball.
5. Denying the other side an opportunity to score by fouling a player.
6. Offensive or abusive language or gestures.
Players frequently criticise the referee’s decision to ‘book’ them and it is quite ordinary for a
yellow card to be upgraded to a red when they argue against his decision.

The system of coloured cards was invented in 1970 by a British Referee called Ken Aston, who
came up with the idea while waiting at traffic lights on Kensington High Street.

Penalty shootout
Referred to by all and sundry as the cruellest way to decide the winner of a match, the penalty
shootout has endured throughout football history and remains one of the most exhilarating and
fraught spectacles in sport.

To a large extent, the rules are self-explanatory. In a knockout match, when two sides are
deadlocked both after the 90 minutes of normal time and the 30 minutes of extra time, they will
take turns to shoot from the penalty spot. The minimum number of penalties for each side is five,
but there may be more or less required depending on the score. For example, if the teams are
again deadlocked at 3 successful penalties each after 5 attempts each, another ‘sudden death’
goal-for-goal period will take place. One extreme example of this was the semi-final of the 2007
FIFA U-21 European Championships, with 32 penalties being necessary to separate England and
the Netherlands, the latter winning 13-12. Alternatively, if one side is 3-1 up on penalties and the
losing side then fails to convert their fourth penalty, the match will end, as they can no longer
reach parity.

The actual penalties themselves are indistinguishable from the penalties you’d expect to see in
normal time. The referee will flick a coin, with the winning captain deciding either which end the
penalties will be taken from (this is constant throughout the shoot-out) or who will take the first
penalty. The protocols are then identical - the goalkeeper must ensure he stays on his line until
the kick is taken, and the shooter can only strike the ball once. In addition, only the eleven players
who were on the field of play at the final whistle are eligible to take a penalty, and no individual
can take more than one penalty for his team (unless 11 penalties have been taken by both sides
and there is no alternative!).

The first ever penalty shootout took place in England in 1970 between Hull City and Manchester
United in the Watney Cup, with the first successful penalty courtesy of George Best and the first
unsuccessful one from Denis Law (Manchester United went on to win). The first international
tournament final to be decided by a shootout, on the other hand, took place in 1978, with
Czechoslovakia beating West Germany 5-3 in the European Championships. Other famous (or
infamous) shootouts include the following:
 • England vs. Germany - World Cup semi-final 1990 (German victory)
• England vs. Germany - European Championships semi-final 1996 (German victory)
• Brazil vs. Italy - World Cup final 1994 (Brazilian victory)
• Italy vs. France - World Cup final 2006 (Italian victory)
• AC Milan vs. Juventus - UEFA Champions League final 2002-2003 (AC Milan victory)
Referees
Perennially criticised by all and sundry both for what they do and don’t do, the referee is the chief
authority figure in a game of football. Imbued with the power to enforce the laws of the game and
the sole arbiter in the more subjective elements of the game, they have arguably the toughest job
on the field.

His or her job is made slightly easier by the presence and expertise of his two ‘assistant referees’
(otherwise known as linesmen) and the third official on the touchline, but the difficulties are self-
evident. With football such a passionate, emotive sport, tensions run high amongst the players
and the fans, yet the referee is compelled to keep a cool head and maintain calm at all times as
well as deal with often inflammatory issues such as penalty decisions.

What makes it worse is that most referees you see today aren’t even professionals! Although a
small percentage (usually only those refereeing in the top divisions) are retained by the national
Football Associations with this status, the vast majority are merely paid a small fee and have their
expenses covered.

Beyond the rather vague obligation to ‘enforce the Laws of the Game’, the referee’s duties are
numerous. Beyond the more peripheral duties like ensuring that the ball meets the proper
requirements and that there is no illegal equipment being used on the pitch, the referee’s other
chief role is to act as a timekeeper (including judging stoppage time in collaboration with the third
official) and evaluate when to stop the game in case of injuries or infractions.

To fulfill this duty, the referee takes recourse in the whistle, which can indicate either the start of
or a pause in play. Remarkably, referees in the early years of the game signalled using a
handkerchief, with the first whistle only being used in the late 1870s. Similarly, although referees
are typically associated with their black jersey and shorts, the earliest referees wore a blazer
instead.

Today, the modern referee is a different animal altogether. The basic uniform has endured but the
‘man in black’ is no longer an accurate description, with new coloured jerseys introduced in the
1994 World Cup to account for possible clashes with team kits.

Technology has also dramatically helped, with the referee now always receiving advice from the
other officials through an ear piece. Moreover, with the seemingly inexorable march towards goal-
line technology and the like, the referee’s role is sure to change in the future. However,
regardless of what is introduced, you can guarantee that referees will never get an easy ride from
fans and players alike
Yellow Cards
The idea for the yellow card was conceived by British referee Ken Aston during the 1966 World
Cup finals as a way of giving a warning that could be understood by all nationalities. Yellow cards
were first used in English leagues in 1976 but their use was stopped in 1981 for six years
because referees were believed to be using them too readily. Today, a yellow card is used when
an offence is perceived to be too minor to be sent off straight away and too serious for a verbal
caution.

Two yellow cards in one match results in a Red Card, meaning the player is sent off for the rest of
the game. A yellow card can be given at any time during the match, including half time and it
does not just refer to misconduct by players. If substitutes conduct an offence, they can also be
given a yellow card.

At the end of the day, it is down to the referee to make judgements about a player’s actions and
the punishment they deserve. However, below are the offences that officially warrant a yellow
card:

• Wasting time in order to delay the match restarting.

• Offensive behaviour through words or action, e.g. swearing or aggressive play.
• Unsporting behaviour, e.g. extravagant celebrations or removing shirt after goal scoring.
• Failure to maintain the 10 yard distance required when a corner kick or throw-in is being
taken.
• Entering or leaving the field of play without the referees permission.
• Persistent infringement of the laws of the game e.g. repeated fouls.
A substitute can be given a yellow card for:

• Wasting time in order to delay the match restarting.

• Offensive behaviour through words or action, e.g. swearing or aggressive play.
• Unsporting behaviour, e.g. extravagant celebrations or removing shirt after goal scoring.

Improving Your Football Skills Discuss this!

Conventional wisdom in the old days stated that God-given talent was the be all and end all for a
successful career in football. Training was only a necessary supplement to what was already
imbued within a particular individual. Today, while the term ‘talent’ is still bandied about,
developments in coaching have allowed youngsters to emulate the greats with increasing ease.
Indeed, such is the importance of coaching at both amateur and professional level, you can even
utilise hypnosis to supposedly improve your ability on the field, and the top clubs all make use of
‘sports psychologists’ to help the star players perform.
A decisive moment in coaching was the rise of the Coerver Method in the 1970s, named after
Wiel Coerver, the Dutch former manager of Feyenoord. Coerver claimed that by analysing tapes
of great players in action, you could break down their technique and trademark skills and use this
knowledge to teach young players. The fundamentals of this method are enshrined in coaching
today, and certain moves are still referred to as ‘Coerver moves’.
The depth and complexity of football coaching is such that any guide will fall short. However, here
are a few notable manoeuvres to get you started, a number of which are identified with footballing
greats:

The Cruyff Turn

1. Facing your opponent with the ball, position your body to feign a cross or shot.
2. Then drag the ball with your foot behind your standing leg.
3. Turn and be on your way while the opponent is left flat-footed.

The Cruyff Turn

The Cruyff Turn

The Zidane Roulette/Maradona’s 360º Spin Move

1. While dribbling with the ball close to your body, turn to shield the ball as you reach an
opponent face-to-face.
2. With your back to the player, in the same movement, put your foot on the ball and
delicately bring it around with you.
3. Leave the opponent trailing as you turn around his body.

360 Spin

360 Spin

The Shoulder Feint

 1. Feign to go one way by dropping one shoulder as if moving in that direction.
2. Then quickly go the other way and wrong-foot your marker. This is best achieved with
your back to the opponent.
Stepover
Popularised initially by Pelé, this move is extremely popular in modern football and expertly
utilised by individuals like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho:

1. Feign to move on way by flicking your foot fully over the ball in that direction, but without
actually touching the ball at any point.
2. Then push the ball in the opposite direction and skip past your marker.

Stepover

Stepover

The Matthews Move

Named after one of the most influential wingers in football, Stanley Matthews, who was pivotal in
establishing wing play as a vital part of attacking. The Matthews move is today a fundamental
weapon in any winger’s arsenal:

1. When facing a defender, push the ball slightly forward to his standing foot.
2. Then instantly flick it horizontally down the wing and, as he’s wrong-footed, use your
speed to waltz past him.
 Matthews Move

Matthews Move

The Nutmeg
The nutmeg is the ultimate insult to an opponent and a great, easy trick for beginners to learn:

1. When facing your opponent, allow him to set himself to cover your attack.
2. Then take advantage of the gap between his legs, pass the ball through them and skip
around his body.

Nutmegged

Nutmegged

The Puskás Move/The V-Move

Associated with the famous Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskás, the v-move is perfect for
improving your dribbling and close control, as well as a great way for evading tackles:

1. While in possession of the ball, drag the ball back with your foot.
2. In the same movement, flick it forward at a 45º degree angle (works particularly well if
your opponent dives in for a tackle).
The Elastico/Flip-Flap
Actually invented in the 1970s by the Brazilian Rivelino, the move today is popularly associated
with his countryman Ronaldinho. The trick requires incredible speed and flexibility, so don’t
expect to pick it up quickly!

1. Facing an opponent, flick the ball up to one side.

2. In mid-air, cushion the ball with the inside of your ball, taking it the other way past your
marker.
 The Flip Flap

The Flip Flap

Websites on football training, skills and exercises

1. ExpertFootball Soccer Techniques & Skills - Sections on coaching, fitness and in-
game tactics, but especially good on skills and techniques (hosting a number of excellent
videos).
2. BBC Sport: Football Skills - Instructional videos on football basics and advanced skills
and techniques.
3. Master Sport Soccer Skills & Techniques - Similar to ExpertFootball, but with more
emphasis on the basics.
4. Soccer Training Info - Good on advanced skills and contains plenty of videos of famous
players in action.
Further Skills
For more skills check out our detailed look at a many varirty of skills elsewhere on the site:

• Attacking Header,Backheel,Bending a Ball,Block Tackle,Body Swerve,Chest

,Control,Chip,Close Control,Defensive Header,Direct Free
Kicks ,DivingHeader,Dribbling,Dummying,Flick-on,Foot Control,Glancing Header,Head
ControlIndirect Free Kicks,Juggling a Ball,Kicking Technique,Lofted Kick,One-
TwoOverhead Kick,Side Volley,Sliding Tackle,Thigh Control,Volleying