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Breaking Down Major Football Rules For Beginners

Breaking Down Major Football Rules For Beginners

How many of you want to ace a football game? Almost everyone – one who wishes to become a professional player and even who just follows their passion for football. To play the game like a pro, you must know the football rules. This blog will explain the common fundamental rules that govern the game professionally and personally. Let’s start with the basics to strengthen your foundation. 

The Team & Members

The football match is played between two teams of 11 players. Each team consists of a goalkeeper and ten outfield players: defenders, midfielders and forwards. There is also a referee who is assisted by two other referees in making decisions on the field. 

Objective Of The Game

The main objective of the game is to score more goals than your opponent within the allotted time. The goal is scored when the ball fully crosses the goal line between two goal goalposts. The team that scored the most goals wins the match. 

Duration Of The Match

Finishing the game within the time frame is one of the major football rules that beginners should know to practice the way. A standard football match consists of two halves of 45 minutes, totalling 90 minutes. For the breaks or stoppages, the clock does not stop, but the referee adds extra time. 

If the match ends in a draw and the winner is yet to be declared, the game might proceed to extra time (two 15-minute halves). 

Beginning Of The Match 

The match begins with a kick-off at the centre circle. The team that wins the coin toss chooses either to start the match with the ball or which side of the field to defend according to the football rules. A kick also restarts the game after halftime and after the goal is scored. 

Kick-off Procedure – The ball is placed at the centre spot, and one player from the team kicks it forward to start the game. The opposing team must remain outside the centre circle until the ball is played. 

Offside Rule 

Offside is among the major football rules that players need to understand to avoid penalties. The player is considered offside if- 

  • They are positioned closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is passed to them. 
  • They are actively involved in playing by interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage from their position. 

When a player is offside, the opponent team is awarded a free kick from the position where the offside occurred. 

Fouls & Misconducts

Physical contact is allowed in football, but only at a certain level. Crossing the barrier is considered foul according to football rules. Some unfair actions include tripping, pushing, kicking, handling the ball, and dangerous play, such as high boots.

 A free kick is awarded to the opposing team when the foul is committed, and a penalty kick is awarded if the foul occurs within the offending team’s penalty area. 

Yellow and Red Cards

The yellow and red are two cards that indicate a player has committed a foul or unsupported behaviour.  A player who receives two yellow cards in a single match is shown a red card, which means they can not continue the match. A red card is given for serious offences, resulting in the player’s immediate dismissal from the game. Once sent off, the player cannot be replaced, leaving their team with one fewer player for the remainder of the match. 

Substitutions

Like cricket or many other games, substitution is allowed in football, but only to a certain extent. Generally, three substitutions are allowed during normal play, though it can be extended depending on the situation. The player who is substituted can not re-enter the match. 

Note – Substitutes are used for tactical reasons or injuries. 

Advantage Rule

Football rules also contain an advantage rule that allows the referee to continue the play even after a foul has been committed, but the team that was fouled gains an advantage from the continued game. 

Whether you are a casual fan or an aspiring player, knowing these rules can save you from penalties and allow you to enjoy the game to the fullest. To gain better knowledge about the football rules and training, enrol in the football academy in India.  

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