Football is a global sport. As the game evolved from its initial days in the late eighteenth century in Britain to become an international phenomenon globally, there have been many changes to the laws of football. Initially, there were no systems in place. Neither were the FIFA football rules and positions introduced. It was more about kicking a ball in two ends and trying to put it past the net. Ever since the Federation Internationale de Football Association was incorporated, the global governing body has structured the game much better in association with the partner organisations. 

Today, more than 200 nations play the game at the international level. The set rules, terms, and conditions, are governed by a centralised body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The laws of football set by the IFAB ensure fair play, uniformity, and an enjoyable experience for players and spectators worldwide. Here is a detailed breakdown of the essential laws:  

Breaking Down The FIFA Football Rules: 17 Laws of Football

1st Law of Football: The Field of Play 

The field of play is the foundation of the game. It must be rectangular, with specific dimensions for length and width depending on the level of play. The surface can be natural grass or artificial turf, clearly marked with boundary lines, penalty areas, and goals. Proper markings ensure clarity for players, referees, and spectators. Applications of this law include ensuring equal playing conditions for all teams and providing a safe environment for gameplay. For instance, poorly maintained fields can hinder ball movement and increase the risk of injuries significantly.

2nd Law of Football: The Ball 

The game revolves around the ball, which must be spherical, made of leather or a suitable material, and weigh between 410 and 450 grams. A high-quality ball is essential for fair and enjoyable play. The condition of the ball significantly impacts the game’s tempo and accuracy. For example, a damager or under-inflated ball can lead to unpredictable movements, affecting both passing and shooting precision. 

3rd Law of Football: The Players 

Each team must have 11 players, including a goalkeeper. A match cannot start or continue if a team has fewer than seven players. Substitutions are allowed based on the competition rules, typically limited to three or five per match. This law ensures balance and fair competition. Applications include strategic player substitutions to adapt to the game’s dynamics, such as bringing in a fresh attacker to exploit a tiring defence. 

4th Law of Football: The Players’ Equipment 

Safety is paramount in football. Players must wear jerseys, shorts, socks, shin guards, and boots. Goalkeepers wear a distinct colour to differentiate themselves from outfield players and referees. This law also prohibits dangerous or inappropriate equipment. The application of this law ensures safety by minimizing risks of injury, such as requiring shin guards to protect against hard tackles. 

5th Law of Football: The Referee 

The ultimate authority on the field is the referee. They enforce the laws, make decisions, and ensure fair play. Equipped with a whistle, cards, and communication devices, referees maintain discipline and order. This law’s application is evident in their ability to stop play for fouls, award penalties, or caution players, thereby ensuring the game proceeds fairly and smoothly. 

6th Law of Football: The Other Match Officials

In addition to the referee, assistant referees and, in some cases, a fourth official support the match’s management. They assist in decisions like offsides, throw-ins, and substitutions, enhancing officiating accuracy. Their applications include signalling offside positions or advising the referee on incidents they may have missed, ensuring comprehensive match oversight. 

7th Law of Football: Match Timing

A standard football match runs for 90 minutes, split into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute break at halftime. Additional stoppage time is included to account for interruptions. In knockout competitions, extra time and penalty shootouts be used to determine the winner if needed. This rule ensures fairness by compensating for lost time due to injuries or other delays, giving both teams an equal chance to compete.

8th Law of Football:Kick-Offs and Restarts

A football match starts with a kick-off from the center spot. Kick-offs also take place after a goal is scored and at the beginning of the second half. Other methods of restarting play include throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, and drop balls. These rules help maintain the flow and fairness of the game. For example, a drop ball is used to resume play when the match is halted due to a neutral incident, such as an injury.

9th Law of Football: The Ball In and Out of Play 

The ball is in play as long as it remains within the field’s boundary lines and has not crossed the goal line or touchline. Play stops only when the referee blows the whistle or specific conditions, like a four or goal may occur. Application of this law includes determining whether a goal has been scored or when the game needs to pause for an infringement or injury.

10th Law of Football: Determining the Outcome of a Match 

A match’s outcome is determined by the number of goals scored. A goal is conceded when the ball crosses the goal line fully, provided no rules are violated during its scoring. Applications of this law include the use of goal-line technology to ensure accuracy in close decisions, preventing disputes and maintaining fair play. 

11th Law of Football: Offside Rule 

The offside rule ensures fair play by preventing players from being closer to the opponent’s goal than the second-to-last defender when receiving the ball. It ensures strategic and competitive balance, adding depth to the game’s tactical elements. Applications include using assistant referees and video assistant referees (VAR) to make accurate offside calls. 

12th Law of Football: Fouls and Misconduct 

This law addresses actions that compromise fair play, such as tripping, pushing, or handling the ball deliberately. Depending on the severity, referees issue yellow or red cards. Applications include maintaining discipline by punishing unsporting behaviour and ensuring player safety by penalizing dangerous tackles.

13th Law of Football: Free Kicks

Free kicks are awarded for fouls or infringements, categorized as direct or indirect. Direct free kicks allow a player to score directly, while indirect kicks require the ball to touch another player before a goal can be scored. Applications of this law include creating scoring opportunities and penalizing teams for rule violations, ensuring adherence to fair play. 

14th Law of Football: The Penalty Kick 

Penalty kicks were awarded when a defending team committed a foul within their penalty area. Taken from the penalty spot, only the goalkeeper can attempt to block the shot. Applications of this law include high-pressure scenarios that often serve as turning points in matches, emphasizing the importance of precision and composure. 

15th Law of Football: The Throw-In 

When the ball crosses the touchline, the opposing team earns a throw-in to restart play. Players must use both hands, keep both feet on the ground, and throw the ball from behind their heads. Proper execution ensures fairness and continuity. Applications include quickly restarting play to maintain momentum or strategically positioning the ball for an attack. 

16th Law of Football: The Goal Kick 

A goal kick restarts play when the ball crosses the goal line without a goal being scored and is last touched by the attacking team. The goalkeeper or a designated player takes the kcik, placing the ball within the goal area. Applications include using goal kicks to build play from the back or relieve defensive pressure. 

17th Law of Football: The Corner Kick 

Corner kicks occur when the ball crosses the goal line, last touched by the defending team, without a goal being scored. The attacking team takes the kick from the corner nearest to where the ball went out. Applications include creating scoring opportunities through set-piece strategies and delivering precise crosses into the penalty area.

Conclusion 

The 17 laws of football solidify the sport, ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment for all participants. Understanding these laws not only enriches the playing experience but also enhances appreciation for the game as a spectator. By adhering to these rules, football maintains its reputation as the world’s most popular sport, inspiring millions to play, watch, and cherish the beautiful game. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What are the 17 rules of football? 

The 17 laws of the game of football as defined by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) govern every aspect of the game, starting from the dimensions of the field to player conduct. These include the following: The Field of Play, The Ball, The Players, The Players’ Equipment, The Referee, The Other Match Officials, The Duration of the Match, The Start and Restart of Play, The Ball In and Out of Play, Determining the Outcome of a Match, Offside, Fouls and Misconduct, Free Kicks, Penalty Kicks, Throw-in, Goal Kick, and Corner Kick. Each rule ensures that the game is played fairly, safely and consistently across all levels, from amateur leagues to professional tournaments. 

How to play by the football rules? 

The 17 rules that are understood are easy to implement. A game of football requires 11 players in each team, where each team is required to score past the opponent to win a game.