5 Important Rules Of International Soccer
Soccer is a popular sport, with international soccer games held in sold-out stadiums and young children battling for the ball on Saturday mornings.
Author:Alberto ThompsonReviewer:Dexter CookeOct 14, 202225.8K Shares783.6K Views
Soccer is a popular sport, with international soccer games held in sold-out stadiums and young children battling for the ball on Saturday mornings. Soccer has 17 international soccer rules written by FIFA, the World Soccer Governing Body. These rules are the same for every major league soccer team around the world. Let's look at five important rules for international soccer.
Field of Play
FIFA regulates the type and size of the fieldand the markings for games. International soccer is played on a natural or green artificial surface with the field marked with boundary lines, goal lines, and a center circle with a radius of 10 yards at the midpoint. Other aspects of the field include a goal area extending 6 yards onto the field, a penalty area, flagposts marking the corners, and a corner arc with a radius of 1 yard from each corner flagpost. The distance between the goalposts is 8 yards, with a height of 8 feet.
Soccer Ball
A soccer ball must be spherical and made of leather or other suitable material with a circumference between 68 and 70 centimeters. It should weigh between 410 and 450 grams at the beginning of the match and have a pressure of 0.6 to 1.1 atmospheres at sea level. If the ball becomes defective in a game, the match is stopped, and the ball is replaced. The ball cannot be changed once the game starts without the referee's authority.
Number of Players
International soccer games are played between two teams with a maximum of 11 players, including one goalkeeper. A game cannot be played if either team has fewer than seven players on the field. Official matches allow three to 12 substitutes, depending on the competition's rules. In international friendliestournaments, teams can completely remove the restriction on substitutes or agree to a higher maximum to allow more players a chance to get on the field. Any player on the field can change places with the goalkeeper if it's done during a stoppage in the game and the referee is informed.
Player Equipment
Basic player equipment includes a shirt or jersey with sleeves, shorts, socks, shin guards, and shoes. The shin guards must be made of plastic, rubber, or other suitable material to provide a reasonable degree of protection and be covered entirely by the socks. If any undergarments are worn, they must be the same color as the shirt or shorts. The teams must have colors that set them apart, with the goalkeepers wearing shirts that distinguish them from all other players and referees on the field.
Duration of the Match
An international soccer game lasts two equal periods of 45 minutes, unless an agreement has been made between the teams and the referee before the game starts. Players should receive a half-time that cannot exceed 15 minutes unless authorized by the referee. The teams will change the ends of the field and attack the opposite goal after half-time. Any abandoned matches must be replayed, unless otherwise stated in the competition rules.
Modifications to the official rulesare only allowed with the consent of the International Football Association Board. These rules can be modified for players under the age of 16, veteran players over the age of 35, and for players with disabilities.
Alberto Thompson
Author
Alberto Thompson is an acclaimed journalist, sports enthusiast, and economics aficionado renowned for his expertise and trustworthiness. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Economics from Columbia University, Alberto brings over 15 years of media experience to his work, delivering insights that are both deep and accurate.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Alberto enjoys exploring the outdoors, indulging in sports, and immersing himself in literature. His dedication to providing informed perspectives and fostering meaningful discourse underscores his passion for journalism, sports, and economics. Alberto Thompson continues to make a significant impact in these fields, leaving an indelible mark through his commitment and expertise.
Dexter Cooke
Reviewer
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
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