Soccer (or football as it is called outside of the United States) is a game played on a rectangular field with a regulation soccer ball and 10 players total. There are over 70 rules of soccer, but they can be generally restricted to five categories.

Soccer (or football as it is called outside of the United States) is a game played on a rectangular field with a regulation soccer ball and 10 players total. There are over 70 rules of soccer, but they can be generally restricted to five categories.

• Soccer is a popular sport played by children, adults and professional teams. In the United States, the professional game has not developed a broad following, but it is extremely popular with children and young adults. The specific rules vary, depending on the level of play—a friendly game will not be bound by many of the rules from FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association), who watch over and manage rules for professional games.

(Creative Commons photo by Beth Rankin)

• Equipment for a soccer game is limited to a regulation ball, available at most sporting goods stores. Clothing for a soccer game is generally shorts and a tee-shirt; shin guards and shoes with cleats are optional, but good decisions for children's games.

1. Ball must be made of leather or other suitable material (not felt)
2. Ball is spherical, with a circumference between 68 and 70 cm
3. Ball weighs between 410-450 grams and is pressurized between 400-600 sq cm
4. Cannot change ball without referee's permission
5. Shin guards and soccer shoes with cleats are permissible

• Professional soccer games have specific layouts, shapes and sizes; children's games are often played in parks or American football fields.

1. A soccer field must be between 38 and 42 meters in length
2. 18-25 meters wide
3. Goal is 3 meters wide, 2 meters high
4. Goal is 1 meter deep at the base and 80 centimeters deep at the top
5. Penalty shot marks are at 6 meters and 10 meters out from goal

• The number of players varies on a soccer team, depending on the type of game and the number of available players.

1. Match played by two teams
2. Professional teams have ten players and a goalkeeper on each side
3. Nonprofessional teams may have between four and eleven players on a side

• Soccer games are of varied lengths, but include two equal halves with a halftime break.

1. Matches have two periods of between 20 and 45 minutes each
2. Teams entitled to 1-minute time out in each half
3. Halftime not more than 15 minutes long
4. Any player may score goals
5. Goals are scored when the ball crosses the goal area with its entire circumference

• YouTube: Kids Soccer Game (Time: 2:45)

1. Penalty kicks on goal are awarded for opposing team fouls

2. Yellow and red cards used for minor and major infractions

3. Cursing, spitting, violent behavior can get you kicked out of the game

4. Touching the ball with your hands (unless you are the goalie) is illegal

5. Minor fouls award the opposing team with a penalty kick

• Soccer is a great sport for young and fit people and, if played following an agreed-upon set of rules, will provide lessons in fitness and sportsmanship for children and adults alike.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Equipment Rules
• Step 2: Field Size and Shape
• Step 3: Player Roles
• Step 4: Playing the Game
• Step 5: Fouls and Misconduct