Basic Rules of This Sport

This globally beloved sport follows a set of essential rules to ensure fairness, safety, and enjoyment for all participants. Below are the main guidelines:

1. The Playing Field

• The field must have a surface of either natural or artificial grass, ensuring optimal conditions for play.

2. The Ball

• The ball must be round, made of leather or another durable material to withstand the demands of the match.

3. The Players

• Each team consists of 11 players on the field, making a total of 22 players.
• Players must not wear jewelry or accessories to prevent injuries.

4. Starting and Restarting the Game

• After a goal is scored, the ball is placed at the center of the field, and the team that conceded the goal resumes play.

5. Match Duration

• A match lasts 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each.
• The referee may add extra time, known as stoppage time, to compensate for interruptions during the game.

6. Determining the Winner

• The team with the most goals scored at the end of the match is declared the winner.

7. Fouls and Penalties

• Fouls are penalized as follows:
  • Minor fouls: The player receives a yellow card as a warning.
  • Major fouls: The player receives a red card and must leave the match. They cannot be replaced, and their team will play with 10 players for the remainder of the game.

8. Penalty Kicks

• If a defender commits a foul inside their penalty area against an attacker, the opposing team is awarded a penalty kick.
• Offensive handballs in the penalty area also result in a penalty.
• The penalty kick is taken from 12 yards away from the goal.

9. Corner Kicks

• If the ball crosses the goal line after being touched by a defending player, the attacking team is awarded a corner kick.
• The ball is placed at the corner of the field, near the flag, and kicked toward the center of the penalty area.

10. Substitutions

• When making a substitution, the incoming player must wait for the exiting player to leave the field before entering.