Soccer Rules and Laws
All the games are based on certain specific rules in order to make sure that the games are played fair. Certain penalties are defined which will be imposed upon the player or the team whenever one breaks these rules. These penalties act as a form of punishment and it ensures fair play.
The rules of soccer are set by the International Football Association Board which was formed in the year 1886 and consists of members from FIFA and also from other four football associations. The rules formulated by them have to be followed in the matches that are held all over the world.
The referees are the adjudicators who make sure the players follow the rules in a match. When a particular player or a team breaks any of the rules, then the referee is likely to give a warning or impose a penalty to the player or the team which will go in favor of their opponents. It is also necessary that one does not lose his cool on the middle of the field; otherwise it may lead to unnecessary altercations and then to disciplinary action.
There will be two sessions of 45 minutes each in the 90 minutes game with a break in between. During the course of the game, if a player commits a foul against his or her opponent team player or if a player touches the ball with the hand, then free kick is awarded which is a easy goal scoring opportunity. The ball used in the game is a standard size 5. Other size balls are also available which are used in different variations of soccer. The rules allow 10 players in the outfield and a goalkeeper and 3 substitutions are allowed in a standard international match. Apart from the referee, there will be assistant referees, also known as linesmen.
The game is restarted if a goal is scored, after the halftime, when the game goes into extra time, after a throw in, goal kick or after a free kick. The ball is considered to have gone out of the play when it crosses the goal or touches the line. A goal is considered to be scored when the ball crosses the goal line under the crossbar and the team with the highest goals wins. If both teams have scored nil, then play goes into extra time as the match can't end in a draw. When a ball crosses the goal line completely after touching an opponent then goal kick is awarded. Yellow and red cards are used to penalize a player when found guilty of misconduct in the field by the referee.
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