Players: soccer is played by two teams preferably equal number. Max players per team is 11 (Goalie + 10 field players)

 

Starting the Game:The game is started at the center of the field. The team who kicks off passes the ball Forward to a teammate at the referees signal. The opposing team is not allowed to enter the center circle until the team kicks off.
Game in play:as long the ball stay in the field the game is in play. only exceptions is when the referee blows his whistle for an infraction or offside. The ball is considered in play as long as it is in side the goal and side lines. Furthermore, it's still in play as long as it has contact with the line. Therefore, the ball may be touching the outer part of the goal or side line and still be considered in play (This applies if the ball is in the air as well). contact with the goal post, corner flag, and referee back in the field is still considered in play. The referee is considered a fixture of the field.
 

 

GOAL: In the basic soccer rules the point of the game is to get the ball in the opposing teams goal and the team with the most goals after the specified time is the winner. The ball must cross the goal line to be a goal. Therefore, if the ball is still in contact with the goal line in the inner part of the goal it is not a goal! I have seen pro's sweep through the goal line to save their team from a goal. Everybody swears that it was already in but the cameras show the ball was still in contact with the line (This applies if the ball is in the air as well). This has happened in the world cup and causes some controversy and drama as the human eye decides if it was a goal or not. No computer or sensor is used and FIFA is against using technology for that purpose. However MLS (Major League Soccer) has been looking into being the first professional league to introduce this technology. The MLS has a reputation for "trying" new things.
 

 

How long is a game? For basic soccer rules a game is no more than 90 min long. Two halves of 45 min (that's what the pros play..with a 15 min half time break)
Youth games range from 15-30 min halves with a 7-10 min half time.
 

 

NO HANDS! Alright, I know you probably knew this but here it is anyway. Only the goalie can use their hands. the definition for hand ball is any part of between your fingers (including nails) to your upper arm. Your shoulder is actually legal to use! One side note about goalies. the goalie is not allowed to use their hands if the ball was kicked back to them intentionally by any of his/her team mates. This rule is about 25 years old. in the old days defenders, when under pressure, would pass the ball back to their goalie to secure in their hands (this was a good rule change for spectators). Youth leagues under 10's don't really enforce this rule as most of the time it isn't an intentional pass back. Coaches should not be teaching this as an option.
 

Out of Bounds: if the ball crosses the side line it is a throw in. The team who did not touch the ball last before the ball crossed the line gets the throw in. If the ball crosses the goal line two things may occur. If the team that is defending that goal line touches it out it is a corner kick. If the team attacking that goal kicks it out it is a goal kick.