Soccer Rules

SOCCER RULES

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It is just as important for coaches to teach the rules of soccer – the “Laws of the Game” – to their players as it is to teach skills and tactics.  Coaches must know all of the rules and their applications completely in order to do so.  As such, it is strongly recommended that coaches print out the Laws of the Game book and read and study it thoroughly.  The link for the IFAB website which goes directly to the Laws of the Game book is contained under “The Rule Book: Laws of the Game” tab.  It is further recommended that coaches contact their local organization for referees and attend training sessions.

See the following pages for details:

• The Soccer Rule Book: The Laws of the Game
• Annual Amendments to the Laws of the Game
  • Preview to Changes to the Laws of the Game for 2025/2026   (NEW!)
• The Field of Play – Law 1
• The Ball – Law 2
• The Players – Law 3
• The Players’ Equipment – Law 4
• The Referee – Law 5
• The Advantage Rule – Part of Law 5
• The Other Match Officials – Law 6
• The Duration of the Match – Law 7
• The Start and Restart of Play – Law 8
• The Ball In and Out of Play – Law 9
• Determining the Outcome of a Match – Law 10
• Introduction to Offside – Law 11
• Offside – The Basic Scenario – Law 11
• Offside – The More Complicated Portions – Law 11
• Fouls and Misconduct – Law 12
• Hand Ball! (Handball Offense) – Part of Law 12
• Free Kicks – Law 13
• The Penalty Kick – Law 14
• The Throw-In – Law 15
• The Goal Kick – Law 16
• The Corner Kick – Law 17
• Spirit and Intent of the Laws of Soccer
• Ball “Live” or “Not Live”
• Soccer IS a Contact Sport
• Checklist for Teaching Basic Soccer Rules
• Soccer Local Rules
• The Unwritten Rules of Soccer
• Temporary Dismissals – “Sin Bins”
• Direct or Indirect ?
• Video Assistant Referee (VAR)
• Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT)   
• Underage Heading    (NEW!)

© Copyright, John  C. Harves