| Basic soccer rules are pretty simple to follow, the | | | | team nominating 5 penalty kick takers who will try |
| team that scores the most goals wins! | | | | and beat the goalkeeper from the penalty spot (12 |
| Each team will consist of 11 starting players of which | | | | yards) until one team wins. |
| there is one goalkeeper and 10 outfield players. The | | | | During the game the referee has the power to |
| game will be played on a soccer pitch and the field | | | | caution players and issue yellow and red cards. Yellow |
| dimension will normally be just over 100 yards long | | | | cards are issued for minor or a serious of fouls by |
| although it could be shorter if it is a youth soccer | | | | the same player which results in a booking, however |
| game. | | | | if two yellow cards are issued then this equals a red |
| Soccer teams are normally split into formations | | | | card and the offending player is sent off the field. |
| consisting of defence, goalkeeper and forwards. Each | | | | A straight red card can be also be issued for serious |
| team will also nominate a captain although this role is | | | | foul play or denying an opponent a goalscoring |
| not as significant as other sports such as cricket and | | | | opportunity. Each team has to have a minimum of 7 |
| rugby. The captain will start the game by tossing a | | | | players on the field so if one team have more than 5 |
| coin with the referee and the winning captain has the | | | | players sent off then the game would be abandoned, |
| option of selecting which way their team will shoot. | | | | this is very rare but has happened a few times in |
| This can be an advantage if there is a strong wind | | | | violent games! |
| which could change direction by the time the teams | | | | One of the most important basic rules of soccer is |
| reach the second half. | | | | the offside rule which basically prevents attacking |
| Soccer games consist of two halves lasting 45 | | | | players from gaining an unfair advantage as when a |
| minutes each although injury time is often added by | | | | pass is made there has to be 2 opposition players |
| the referee to cover any stoppages. If the game is a | | | | closer to the goal than the attacking player. If the |
| cup tie, a world cup final for example then extra time | | | | attacking player is level with a defender then he is |
| will be played consisting of an extra two 15 minute | | | | still onside so play continues. The referee has two |
| periods. If the teams are still level at this stage the | | | | assistants (previously known as linesman) on either |
| game will develop into a penalty shoot with each | | | | side of the field to help judge the offside rule. |