There are presently 17 recognized soccer laws that must be followed to play in any professional or international competition. These are what they are:
The Playing Field
Artificial turf or natural grass can be used for soccer, but the surface must be green. Two short goal lines and two long-touch lines must be clearly defined, and the field must be rectangular. The midway line, which extends from the middle of each touchline, divides the area in half. The midway line has a designated center point with a 10-yard radius encircled by a lined center circle. This circle must remain empty for the possessing team’s kickoff. The goal line’s length must be shorter than the touch line’s.
The permitted lengths are:
Touchline: 90 meters (100 yards) at a minimum and 120 meters at a maximum (130 yards)
Minimum 45 meters (50 yards), maximum 90 meters (goal line) (100 yds).
A goal eight yards wide and in the middle of the goal line is located at each end of the field.
The goal box is six yards out onto the field (perpendicular to the goal line) and six yards from each goal post along the goal line.
The penalty box is a rectangular area 18 yards from each goal post along the goal line and 18 yards into the field (perpendicular to the goal line).
A corner flag that is five feet tall is located in each of the field’s four corners.
The Round
A soccer ball must be round and made of leather or material that is functionally equivalent. Its diameter must fall between 27 and 28 inches. This restriction only applies to games that have been officially sanctioned because youth leagues frequently use smaller ball that is more appropriate for kids.
The number of participants
Typically, 11 players on each team make up a match. The eleven-player total includes the goalie. A team forfeits a game if they cannot field at least seven players by the start of the competition. In youth leagues, when smaller teams are employed as a growth tool, it’s common to see teams with fewer than 11 players on each side. Except for friendly matches, three replacements are typically allowed each round in FIFA-sanctioned games. Most young leagues permit an infinite number of substitutes, provided that they are noted on the game card in advance of the game; otherwise, those players are ineligible. Substances are permitted only at the halfway point, with the referee’s permission, and after the player being replaced has left the field. During a break in play, the goalie may be replaced by anyone on the field or any eligible substitute on the bench.
The Players’ Gear
Each player must wear a shirt, shorts, shin guards, socks, and cleats before the game. The socks must entirely hide the shin protectors. When a player’s equipment is deemed subpar by the referee, the player may be kicked off until the problem is fixed.
The arbitrator
The referee is in charge of the pitch, and his word is final. You risk greater punishment for dissent if you contest a referee’s ruling.
The auxiliary officials
The assistant referees’ primary duty is to support the referee in carrying out his duties, which includes waving a flag to indicate when the ball leaves play, when a player is fouled, or when a player is offside.
The length of the game
A soccer game consists of two 45-minute halves, with the referee having the option to extend either at their discretion. A half-time interval that cannot be more than 15 minutes separates the halves. The additional time usually reflects how much time was lost to substitutions and injuries, as determined by the referee. After each 45-minute quarter, the amount of extra time is declared and indicated on the half line. Even though a soccer match must stop at a certain point, the referee ultimately decides when to do so.