| Basic soccer rules originated in England (1815), and | | | | for the single leather covered round soccer ball. |
| were refined in 1863, as the game gained popularity | | | | Games begin with a kickoff from the center spot by |
| and as people began to have more recreational time. | | | | one team. Should play become stopped, there are |
| Soccer today, known in most of the world outside | | | | approved methods for restarting ball action: thrown |
| the U.S. as "Association Football", is one of the most | | | | in, goal kick, corner kick, indirect free kick, direct free |
| popular Olympic sports, with its own World Cup | | | | kick, penalty kick, and dropped-ball. |
| games that outdraw even the Olympics by multiples. | | | | Basic soccer rules call for two periods of fifteen |
| It has invaded the home living room through | | | | minutes each, with a fifteen minute break. Extra time |
| television and video games. | | | | is two 15 minute periods. Misconduct fouls result in a |
| Basic soccer rules are for adults, with modifications | | | | yellow caution card or red sending-off card. Players |
| for youth games. It can be played indoors or | | | | sent off may not return and the team will not get a |
| outdoors, and on different size fields as long as they | | | | replacement. The most complex law is offside, which |
| are rectangular. A regulation soccer pitch is between | | | | limits the ability of the forward to remain ahead of |
| 90 and 120 meters long and 45 to 90 meters wide. | | | | the ball, the second to last defense player, and the |
| Referees regulate the play, call fouls and time-outs, | | | | half-way line. |
| stop the game, and enforce rules. There is one | | | | For players, moving the ball without using arms or |
| referee with two assistants. A fourth may be added | | | | hands is the primary rule. Only goalkeepers may use |
| for high level games. They are the only people who | | | | hands or arms to move the ball, and only when they |
| can call stoppages or injury time outs. Team | | | | are within their own penalty area by the goal. Players |
| managers direct team play formations and strategy. | | | | may use feet, and occasionally head or torso. They |
| Soccer teams consist of two teams with 11 players | | | | can move the ball by dribbling, or passing to |
| each. The minimum number of players is 7. Players | | | | teammates to score. Opponents get possession of |
| must wear shirts, socks, shorts, footwear and shin | | | | the ball by tacking or intercepting passes. Each team |
| guards. Headgear is optional. Jewelry is not allowed | | | | has 10 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper. Strikers |
| due to potential for injuries. The goalkeepers wear | | | | attempt to score goals; Defenders try to keep the |
| easily distinguishable clothing that is unlike that of | | | | opponent from scoring; Midfielders try to intercept |
| other players or officials. | | | | and control the ball. They can switch positions at will. |
| The goal of soccer is to win by scoring the most | | | | Substitutions can be made three times, however the |
| goals. Ties are settled with extra time, penalty | | | | substituted player may not return in that game. |
| shootouts, or called a draw. There are specifications | | | | |