United Soccer of Allouez > The Game of Soccer

For those families new to soccer, and those who feel new regarding the rules, the accompanying "Simplified Rules of Soccer" should be a handy guide for the game.
Soccer is a very simple game. The object of the game is to score goals and to prevent your opponent from scoring goals. Soccer is a player's game in that it is continuous (very few stoppages of play), and is controlled by the players themselves (Coaches have little chance to call "plays" once play has begun). While there is physical contact in soccer, it is incidental in nature. Violent, intentional contact is not allowed.

To be successful, all members of a soccer team must utilize sound fundamentals, know and fulfill their roles, be unselfish, outsmart and outhusstle their opponent.

Law No. 1 The Field of play.
See diagram of the field.

Law No. 2 The Ball.
The Ball must be round with a cir. of 27"-28" for regulation adult play.

Law No. 3 Number of players.
For ages 10 and up each side is composed of 11 players. The referee must be notified before a substitution can occur.
A. Both Teams may substitute any numer of players:
    (1) on a goal kick
    (2) after a goal
    (3) during any extended time out(as for an injury)
    (4) between periods
B. The team in possession of the ball on a throw-in may substitute any number of players.
C. A substitution is complete as soon as the substitute enters the field.

Law No. 4 Players Equipment.
The usual uniform of the soccer player includes a jersey, calf socks, shin guards and shoes. Nothing potentially injurious to another player may be worn. Cleates are normally rubber, plastic, or leather. The goalkeeper must wear a different color than the other members of the team.

Law No. 5 The Referee.
The referee is in charge of all game activities and is to make sure each team abides by the rules. His decisions are final. It is the referee's responsibility to keep the game clock, stop for injuries, and remind players of proper game conduct. He can eject players who do not show gentlemanly conduct.

Law No. 6 Linesman or side Referees.
There are usually tow linesmen - one for each sideline. Their main responsibility is to assist the referee by calling ball out of bounds, offsides, indicate corner kicks, and goal kicks. Linesmen can be overruled by the referee.

Law No. 7 Game Duration.
Most adult soccer games are divided into 45 minute halves.

Law No. 8 Start of play.
To start play there is a kick off. This happens at the start of the game, halftime and after a goal has been scored. A forward player standing near the center line kicks the ball forward to a fellow player. After the ball makes one complete revelution the game is officially started. The kicker may not touch the ball until it has been kicked by another player.

Law No. 9 Ball In and Out of Play.
After the ball has completely crossed the sideline or goal line it is out of play. Any ball striking a referee, goal post, corner post and remaining on the proper field is in play.

Law No. 10 Goal Scoring.
A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line, between the goal posts and under the cross bar. The winner of the soccer game is determined by the margin of goals scored.

Law No. 11 Offsides.
Offsides is perhaps the most misunderstood rule in soccer. While going toward an opponent's goal the offensive team may not have a player ahead of the ball unless there are two defending players present. The exceptions to this statement are (a) when the player is in his own half of the field of play (b) if the ball was last touched by an opponent or (c) the downfield player is not involved in the play. The referee has the right to call or not call the offsides infraction depending upon whether the offending player is seeking an unfair advantage. Before reacting to a call or "no call" parents are advised to clarify the situation.

Law No. 12 Fouls and Misconduct.
A. There are nine prohibited acts for which a referee can award a direct kick to the offending team.
   1. Kicking
   2. Tripping
   3. Jumping at opponent
   4. Violent charging
   5. Striking opponent
   6. Holding
   7. Pushing
   8. Handling Ball
   9. Charging from behind
B. An inderect kick shall be awarded when these acts occur:
   1. Dangerous Play
   2. Charging away from the ball
   3. Charging the Goalkeeper when he doesn't have the ball
   4. Opponent obstruction
   5. A Goalkeeper takes more than four steps

Law No. 13 Free Kicks.
The two basic kicks awarded by the referee are the:
   A. Direct free Kick (a goal can be attempted or a pass made to a teammate)
   B. Indirect Kick (must touch another player before a goal can be scored)

Law No. 14 Penalty Kicks.
A penalty kick is awareded after a serious rule infraction(law No. 12, Part A) takes place in the penalty area. It is a direct kick taken 12 yards from the goal line. All players except the goalie and kicker must stay outside of the penalty area. The goalie must stand on the goal line and may not move until the ball is kicked.

Law No. 15 The Inbounds Throw.
After the ball has completely crossed the sidelines, the team that didn't touch the ball last shall be awarded the throw in. These rules should be remembered as part of the throw in regulations:
   A. Both feet must be out of bounds when the throw is made(on or behind the side line).
   B. The ball must be thrown by both hands directly over the head without spin.
   C. Both feet must be touching the ground as the throw is made.
   D. On incorrect throws the ball is awarded to the opposite team. In younger age groups, the referee may allow one retake if the first was incorrect.

Law No. 16 Goal Kicks.
A goal kick is awarded when the ball(after being kicked by the offense) crosses the goal line but not within the scoring area. The ball must travel 10 yards before it can be regarded as in play. The kick is usually taken by the fullback or goalkeeper.

Law No. 17 Corner Kicks.
A corner kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line and is last touched by the defensive player, and doesn't result in a goal. One member of the attacking team takes the kick from the corner arc. A goal may be scored from this kick. Also remember:
A. The opposing team must remain 10 yards from the ball as it is kicked.
B. The kicker may not kick the ball a second time until touched by another player.

Home Our Mission & Values Teams & Schedules Field Locations Participation In Our Club The Game of Soccer A. Terminology B. The Field C. Player Positions D. Role of the Referee E. Parents F. Players Players Wanted		Simplified Rules of the Game. For those families new to soccer, and those who feel new regarding the rules, the accompanying "Simplified Rules of Soccer" should be a handy guide for the game. Soccer is a very simple game. The object of the game is to score goals and to prevent your opponent from scoring goals. Soccer is a player's game in that it is continuous (very few stoppages of play), and is controlled by the players themselves (Coaches have little chance to call "plays" once play has begun). While there is physical contact in soccer, it is incidental in nature. Violent, intentional contact is not allowed. To be successful, all members of a soccer team must utilize sound fundamentals, know and fulfill their roles, be unselfish, outsmart and outhusstle their opponent. Law No. 1 The Field of play. See diagram of the field. Law No. 2 The Ball. The Ball must be round with a cir. of 27"-28" for regulation adult play. Law No. 3 Number of players. For ages 10 and up each side is composed of 11 players. The referee must be notified before a substitution can occur. A. Both Teams may substitute any numer of players: (1) on a goal kick (2) after a goal (3) during any extended time out(as for an injury) (4) between periods B. The team in possession of the ball on a throw-in may substitute any number of players. C. A substitution is complete as soon as the substitute enters the field. Law No. 4 Players Equipment. The usual uniform of the soccer player includes a jersey, calf socks, shin guards and shoes. Nothing potentially injurious to another player may be worn. Cleates are normally rubber, plastic, or leather. The goalkeeper must wear a different color than the other members of the team. Law No. 5 The Referee. The referee is in charge of all game activities and is to make sure each team abides by the rules. His decisions are final. It is the referee's responsibility to keep the game clock, stop for injuries, and remind players of proper game conduct. He can eject players who do not show gentlemanly conduct. Law No. 6 Linesman or side Referees. There are usually tow linesmen - one for each sideline. Their main responsibility is to assist the referee by calling ball out of bounds, offsides, indicate corner kicks, and goal kicks. Linesmen can be overruled by the referee. Law No. 7 Game Duration. Most adult soccer games are divided into 45 minute halves. Law No. 8 Start of play. To start play there is a kick off. This happens at the start of the game, halftime and after a goal has been scored. A forward player standing near the center line kicks the ball forward to a fellow player. After the ball makes one complete revelution the game is officially started. The kicker may not touch the ball until it has been kicked by another player. Law No. 9 Ball In and Out of Play. After the ball has completely crossed the sideline or goal line it is out of play. Any ball striking a referee, goal post, corner post and remaining on the proper field is in play. Law No. 10 Goal Scoring. A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line, between the goal posts and under the cross bar. The winner of the soccer game is determined by the margin of goals scored. Law No. 11 Offsides. Offsides is perhaps the most misunderstood rule in soccer. While going toward an opponent's goal the offensive team may not have a player ahead of the ball unless there are two defending players present. The exceptions to this statement are (a) when the player is in his own half of the field of play (b) if the ball was last touched by an opponent or (c) the downfield player is not involved in the play. The referee has the right to call or not call the offsides infraction depending upon whether the offending player is seeking an unfair advantage. Before reacting to a call or "no call" parents are advised to clarify the situation. Law No. 12 Fouls and Misconduct. A. There are nine prohibited acts for which a referee can award a direct kick to the offending team. 1. Kicking 2. Tripping 3. Jumping at opponent 4. Violent charging 5. Striking opponent 6. Holding 7. Pushing 8. Handling Ball 9. Charging from behind B. An inderect kick shall be awarded when these acts occur: 1. Dangerous Play 2. Charging away from the ball 3. Charging the Goalkeeper when he doesn't have the ball 4. Opponent obstruction 5. A Goalkeeper takes more than four steps Law No. 13 Free Kicks. The two basic kicks awarded by the referee are the: A. Direct free Kick (a goal can be attempted or a pass made to a teammate) B. Indirect Kick (must touch another player before a goal can be scored) Law No. 14 Penalty Kicks. A penalty kick is awareded after a serious rule infraction(law No. 12, Part A) takes place in the penalty area. It is a direct kick taken 12 yards from the goal line. All players except the goalie and kicker must stay outside of the penalty area. The goalie must stand on the goal line and may not move until the ball is kicked. Law No. 15 The Inbounds Throw. After the ball has completely crossed the sidelines, the team that didn't touch the ball last shall be awarded the throw in. These rules should be remembered as part of the throw in regulations: A. Both feet must be out of bounds when the throw is made(on or behind the side line). B. The ball must be thrown by both hands directly over the head without spin. C. Both feet must be touching the ground as the throw is made. D. On incorrect throws the ball is awarded to the opposite team. In younger age groups, the referee may allow one retake if the first was incorrect. Law No. 16 Goal Kicks. A goal kick is awarded when the ball(after being kicked by the offense) crosses the goal line but not within the scoring area. The ball must travel 10 yards before it can be regarded as in play. The kick is usually taken by the fullback or goalkeeper. Law No. 17 Corner Kicks. A corner kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line and is last touched by the defensive player, and doesn't result in a goal. One member of the attacking team takes the kick from the corner arc. A goal may be scored from this kick. Also remember: A. The opposing team must remain 10 yards from the ball as it is kicked. B. The kicker may not kick the ball a second time until touched by another player.
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