As one of the most popular sports in the world, football has a complex and standardized system of rules. These rules not only ensure the fairness and fun of the game, but also provide a clear competitive framework for players and spectators. This article will explore the basic rules of football to help readers better understand the sport.
1. Basic composition of the game
A standard football game usually consists of two teams of 11 players, including a goalkeeper. The game is played on a rectangular field, which is usually between 100 and 110 meters long and 64 and 75 meters wide. The game is divided into two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute break in between.
2. Basic rules for players
Each team consists of 11 players. In addition to the goalkeeper, the other 10 players can play as forwards, midfielders or defenders on the field as needed. Players must wear prescribed equipment, including jerseys, shorts, socks, shin guards and football shoes. At the same time, players must not wear any accessories that may cause harm to others or themselves.
In the game, players can control the ball by passing, dribbling, shooting, etc. It should be noted that players cannot infringe on the opponent in an improper way when stealing the ball, such as pushing, kicking, etc. This is called a foul. A foul may result in the referee awarding a free kick or penalty.
3. Referee and control of the game
The game is controlled by a referee, who has the power to make various penalty decisions, including penalty goals, fouls, offside, etc. The referee can also show yellow cards and red cards, yellow cards are warnings, and red cards mean being sent off. After receiving two yellow cards, the player will be automatically sent off with a red card.
The referee is also a symbol of authority in the game, and all penalties and decisions must be respected by the players. Players cannot overreact to the referee’s decision, otherwise they may face further punishment.
4. Determination of goals
Goals are the most important part of a football game. The only criterion for a goal is that the football completely passes the area between the crossbar and the uprights of the goal. When scoring a goal, the referee needs to determine whether there is a foul, such as offside or handball. Once the referee confirms that the goal is valid, the score will be recorded.
5. Offside rule
Offside is one of the more complicated rules in football. The offside penalty is intended to prevent the attacking player from “staying” in front of the defending team’s goal so that he can score easily. According to the rules, when the attacking player kicks the ball, the receiving player is standing closer to the goal than the second-to-last defending player, it constitutes offside. If offside is called, the attacking team will lose the opportunity to attack and the defending team will get a free kick.
6. Fouls and free kicks
In the game, any improper attack or technical misconduct on the opposing player may be penalized as a foul by the referee. Fouls are divided into direct and indirect. A direct free kick can be scored directly, while an indirect free kick must be attacked after another player touches the ball. It is worth noting that if a foul is committed in the penalty area, the referee will award a penalty kick, giving the attacking team an excellent chance to score.
7. Substitution rules
During the game, teams can make substitutions to replace players. In international competitions, each team is usually allowed to replace three players (or more, depending on the rules of different competitions). Substitutions usually occur when there is an injury, physical exhaustion, or a tactical adjustment.
8. Overtime and Penalty Shootout
If the game is tied within the specified time, some games will enter overtime, which usually includes two 15-minute halves. If the overtime is still not decided, the game will enter a penalty shootout, and both sides will take turns to shoot penalties until a winner is determined.
9. Summary
Although the rules system of football seems complicated, it lays the foundation for the sport. Whether it is an ordinary fan or a professional player, a deep understanding of these rules is an important part of participating in and appreciating football. I hope that through the introduction of this article, readers can better understand the various details of football games and enjoy the fun and passion brought by football.