Laws of The Game
The Field of Play
A soccer field is 100 to 110 m long
and 64 to 75 m wide. Lines are marked on the field as, shown in the diagram.
Fields vary in size (and quality!) hut don't use this as an excuse for a
had performance!
(Maybe here we can substitute
Encarta's Soccer field here)
Sometimes you may play indoors or on a school playground-make up your own area to suit the number of players.
Players
Each team has 11 players, plus two substitutes who can take the place of
injured players.
Equipment
Don't wear rings, chains or watches. Boots, of course, must he legal. All
studs must he at least l3mm in diameter and less than l9mm deep; sharp studs
are not allowed. In any case you will probably have moulded soles, which
are safer and better for Australian conditions.
Fouls
The referee will blow the whistle for tripping, pushing, obstructing, dangerous
play, etc. They may also give free kicks for swearing or shouting.
Direct Free Kicks
A direct free kick allows you to kick directly for a goal without the ball
being touched by another player. It is awarded for serious offences, such
as charging, holding, pushing, kicking, tripping or jumping at a player,
and handling the hall. If the offence happens in the penalty box, a penalty
shot is given.
Indirect Free Kicks
When an indirect free kick is given, the ball must be played to another
player before a goal can be scored. Indirect free kicks are awarded for
offences such as off-side, obstruction, wasting time, a throw-in at the
wrong spot.
Offside
The lines official and the referee will be watching for this. The off-side
rule causes a lot of argument but is quite simple.
In diagram A, X is off-side because there is only one player between X and the goal. You must have two opponents nearer to the goal line than you are.
In diagram B, X is on-side, because it is okay to be level with the second last player.
You will become off-side when the ball is passed to you. You are not off-side if you run from a deep position past defenders. You cannot be off-side in your own half.
Throw-in
You must throw the ball in, using one movement, with two hands from behind
your head. Keep both feet on the ground behind the sideline.
Scoring a Goal
The whole ball must cross the line for a goal to be awarded.
Ball in and Out of Play
The ball is only out of play when the whole ball crosses the line. If it
swerves over the line and comes back in, it is out of play. A throw is taken
where the ball goes out.
Kick-off
The ball must be played forward from the kick-off. The opposition cannot
come into the centre circle until the ball is played.
Length of the Game
A game is played in two halves, each of 35,40 or 45 minutes, with 5 to 10
minutes for half-time, depending on your age group.
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper can handle the ball anywhere in the penalty box-but can only
take four steps before throwing or kicking the ball. The goalkeeper cannot
pick up the ball and roll it.
Dropped Ball
Sometimes when the referee starts play, for instance, after an injury, the
ball will be dropped from waist height between two players. The players
cannot challenge until the hall touches the ground.