Since almost no-one reads the 300+ page soccer rule-book, you can safely assume this guide will cover every rule that you need to know. If a weird situation happens, you will learn the rule for it (that is if the referee actually knows the rule).
So heres the simplified soccer rules: basically all the soccer rules you will ever need to know.
Objective
The objective of soccer is to score the most amount of goals which results winning the game.
Scoring
To score goals the ball most pass completely over the goal-line. It doesn't matter if for instance, the goalie is holding the ball while inside the goal. The position of the ball is all that matters.
Pitch/Field
The game is played on a soccer pitch that varies in size. An 11 versus 11 game is usually a little over 100 yards.
Captains
Captains are either elected by teammates or chosen by the coach of a team. Captains must be in the game at all times (in professional soccer) but the captain can be switched at any time. Captains must wear captain arm-bands.
There is a limit of one captain per team. However, if a captain is subbed out, the player who replaces the captain will become captain.
Starting a Game
To start a game, each teams captain perform a coin toss with the help of a referee. The winning captain will determine which side he wants to choose or if he wants to kick off first.
Length
A soccer game lasts 90 minutes which is divided into two halfs. Injury time is the time that passes when soccer is not being played. In soccer the clock never stops, so injury time is necessary (in MLS the clock does stop so injury time is excluded). Injury time adds time to the end of a game.
Overtime
If the game is tied then overtime is sometimes added. Overtime lasts 30 minutes. Sometimes Golden Goal is inacted and the first team to score wins the game. Often there is no overtime at all.
Penalty Shootout
A penalty shoot-out happens if the game is still tied after overtime. Only the 22 players that are on the field can participate in a penalty shootout. Kicks are taken from the penalty mark located in the goalie box (white dot).
Teams alternate kicking on the opposing teams goalie, until it is impossible for the other team to win. When a ball is kicked, no rebounds are given.
Teams
Each team consists of 10 field players and one goalie. This is the maximum amount of players allowed on the pitch at one time.
Goalie
The goalie can use his hands in the box and can dive at players. Only one person can be goalie and he most be specified and wearing a goalie shirt. A substitution must be made when changing the goalie.
Referees
Referees govern the game by imposing the rules of soccer. There is one middle referee (the one that is actually on the field) and two side referees.
The middle referee's decision is final.
Cards
The middle referee can issue cards. A yellow card warns a player while a red card sends the player out of the current game and the next match.
Parts of the Body
Field players can use every part of their body besides the hands, elbows, and arms.
Offsides
If an offensive player is past the last opposing player (not including the goalie) before the kick he is offsides. Players cannot be offside on their own half.
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