Rules of the Game

[AreliusIV]

As we near the World Cup, its time to test your soccer knowledge. Try not to use the web (or other resources). If at all possible, use imperial measurements (yards, feet, inches) instead of metric measurements (meters, centimeters, etc.). (Note: masculine pronouns are used for simplicity sake)

1) For international matches, what is the minimum and maximum length and width of the field?

2) Soccer is played on a field rectanguar in shape. What is the official name of the two longer boundaries of the field? The two shorter field boundaries?

3) What is the maximum width (in inches) of the chalk lines of the field?

4) What is the radius of the circle around the midfield center mark?

5) How is the goal area measured?

6) How is the penalty area measured?

7) How far from the goal is the penalty mark?

8) What is the radius of the arc outside of the penalty area? From what mark is it measured?

9) What is the minimum height of the corner flags?

10) What is the radius of the corner arc?

11) What is the distance between the goal posts?

12) What is the height of the crossbar?

13) What is the width of the goalposts and crossbar?

14) How many colors are allowed for the goalposts and crossbar?

15) How far from the carner arc is the mark made to ensure that this distance is observed when a corner kick is being taken?

16) What is the minimum and maximum circumference of the ball in inches?

17) What is the minimum and maximum weight of the ball?

18) What is the minimum and maximum number of players for a side to field a team on the field?

19) Generally, what is the maximum number of substitutes that may be used?

20) Where is the only place a substitute may enter the field?

21) Can the player who is subbed out return to the field at a later time in the match?

22) What are the 5 main compulsory items of clothing worn by the players?

23) Generally, what is the maximum amount of time for the half-time interval?

24) What does the team that wins the coin-toss at the beginning of the match decide?

25) What does the team that lost the coin-toss do?

26) Can a goal be scored directly from the kick-off?

27) Can a player touch the ball more than once at the kick-off before it has touched another player?

28) Where can a free kick be taken by the defending team when it is awarded inside the goal area?

29) Where, within the goal area of the attacking team's opponents, is an INDIRECT free kick taken when awarded to the attacking team?

30) When is the ball out of play?

31) What are the three methods of determining a winner after a match has been drawn?

32) When is a player in an offside position?

33) What are exceptions to this rule?

34) How many seconds may the goalkeeper control the ball with his hands?

35) How many times may the goalkeeper touch the ball with his hands before it touches another player?

36) May a goalkeeper touch the ball with his hands when taken from a throw-in by a team-mate?

37) May a goalkeeper touch the ball with his hands when it is kicked to him by a team-mate?

38) What happens if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal?

39) How does a referee indicate an indirect free kick?

40) What happens if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponent's goal?

41) What happens if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal?

42) How far must opponents be from the ball before a free kick is taken?

43) Can a goal be scored directly from a throw-in?

44) What is the minimum distance opponents may stand to the point at which the throw-in is taken?

45) May a goal be scored directly from a goal kick?

46) What is the minimum distance the goalkeeper must kick a goal kick.

47) May a goal be scored directly from a corner kick?

48) Who chooses the goal at which penalty kicks are taken at the end of a match to determine a winner?

49) Who determines which teams goes first?

50) How is the technical area (within which a coach can move) measured?

51) Is it an offense if a player, with the ball under control within playing distance, screens the ball from an opponent without using his arms?

52) Is it an offense if a player prevents an opponent challenging for the ball with the use of the hand, arm, legs?

53) What is the technical term of faking an injury or foul?

54) Can/should a player be cautioned if he covers his head with his shirt during a goal celebration?

[AreliusIV]

Wow. Since there was such an overwhelming response to my first post, I think I'll try some more rules:

1) Are goal nets compulsory?

2) If another ball enters the field of play during the match, should the referee stop play immediately?

3) A player who is about to be replaced refuses to leave the field. What action does the referee take?

4) Must a player, who is being substituted, leave the field of play at the halfway line?

5) Is it permissible for a goalkeeper to take a throw-in or corner kick?

6) What action should the referee take if a player removes his shirt to reveal a similar shirt underneath?

7) Can a captain send off one of his team-mates for misconduct?

8) Can the referee show yellow or red cards during the half time interval or after the match is finished?

9) An assistant referee signals that the ball has passed over the touch line. A defending player inside the penalty area strikes an attacking player. What action should the referee take?

10) A defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area but finishes inside the penalty area. What action should the referee take?

11) A team is awarded a free kick in its own penalty area. The player taking the kick hits the ball against a team-mate who is inside the penalty area and the ball enters the goal. What action does the referee take?

12) A player taking a penalty kick plays the ball forward for a team-mate to run on to it and score. Is this permitted?

13) A player takes a thorw-in correctly. The ball does not enter the field of play but remains outside the touch line. What action does the referee take?

14) Is a player allowed to take a throw-in kneeling or sitting down?

[knowwonnose]

I'll do my best without looking elsewhere, and mind you, I've spent a lot of time reading lacrosse rules in the last few weeks, so I might confuse a few.

1) Are goal nets compulsory?

On ladies over 60 years old serving meals in the school cafeteria and international goal, yes.

2) If another ball enters the field of play during the match, should the referee stop play immediately?

Only if it is interfering or has a potential to interfere with play.

3) A player who is about to be replaced refuses to leave the field. What action does the referee take?

Yellow card, delay of game and his coach gets really angry.

4) Must a player, who is being substituted, leave the field of play at the halfway line?

Near the halfway line, yes.

5) Is it permissible for a goalkeeper to take a throw-in or corner kick?

Yes, but not usually wise. He can also take PKs.

6) What action should the referee take if a player removes his shirt to reveal a similar shirt underneath?

Blushes with embarrassment or delay of game yellow if there isn't anything to see.

7) Can a captain send off one of his team-mates for misconduct?

Not sure here, not officially.

8) Can the referee show yellow or red cards during the half time interval or after the match is finished?

Yes, and in pregame too.

9) An assistant referee signals that the ball has passed over the touch line. A defending player inside the penalty area strikes an attacking player. What action should the referee take?

Striking a player is a yellow card offense. Ball is placed for a corner or goal kick depending on who last touched it.

10) A defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area but finishes inside the penalty area. What action should the referee take?

Come on, no MLS ref will even see that hold. I think this would be according to when the player would most likely played/received the ball.

11) A team is awarded a free kick in its own penalty area. The player taking the kick hits the ball against a team-mate who is inside the penalty area and the ball enters the goal. What action does the referee take?

Gooooooooooooooooooool! Seems like a pass not picked up to me. What a duffus.

Actually, I think you cannot accidentally score an own goal on a FK, but I guess if it went off a second play you can.

12) A player taking a penalty kick plays the ball forward for a team-mate to run on to it and score. Is this permitted?

Why would you want to do that? I would have a problem with it but it sounds like one of those odd rules that surprise me. Still, I'd say, once kicked the ball is in play. Yes.

13) A player takes a throw-in correctly. The ball does not enter the field of play but remains outside the touch line. What action does the referee take?

First the official looks perturbed at the inept thrower, then a re-throw is permitted.

14) Is a player allowed to take a throw-in kneeling or sitting down?

No. Both feet must be down.

That's my best attempt on the fly.

[I_Believe_In_Kreis]

OK, I'll bite on a few of these.

Originally Posted by AreliusIV

20) Where is the only place a substitute may enter the field?

21) Can the player who is subbed out return to the field at a later time in the match?

22) What are the 5 main compulsory items of clothing worn by the players?

23) Generally, what is the maximum amount of time for the half-time interval?

24) What does the team that wins the coin-toss at the beginning of the match decide?

25) What does the team that lost the coin-toss do?

26) Can a goal be scored directly from the kick-off?

27) Can a player touch the ball more than once at the kick-off before it has touched another player?

28) Where can a free kick be taken by the defending team when it is awarded inside the goal area?

29) Where, within the goal area of the attacking team's opponents, is an INDIRECT free kick taken when awarded to the attacking team?

30) When is the ball out of play?

31) What are the three methods of determining a winner after a match has been drawn?

32) When is a player in an offside position?

33) What are exceptions to this rule?

34) How many seconds may the goalkeeper control the ball with his hands?

35) How many times may the goalkeeper touch the ball with his hands before it touches another player?

36) May a goalkeeper touch the ball with his hands when taken from a throw-in by a team-mate?

37) May a goalkeeper touch the ball with his hands when it is kicked to him by a team-mate?

38) What happens if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal?

39) How does a referee indicate an indirect free kick?

40) What happens if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponent's goal?

20) At the midfield stripe on the bench side.
21) No.
22) Shirt, shorts, socks, boots, shinguards.
23) 15 minutes???
24) They may choose to defend a particular goal, or to take the first half kickoff.
25) If the winner chooses to take the ball, the loser chooses the end. If the winner picks an end, the loser has first half kickoff.
26) Yes.
27) No.
28) It may be taken as a goal kick???
29) From the penalty spot???
30) When it completely crosses an end line or touch line, on the ground or airborne.
31) Overtime, shootout, coin flip.
32) When he is closer to the opponent's goal than the opponent's two deepest defenders (including the GK) when the ball is played to him.
33) On throw-ins, corner kicks, and when the assistant determines the offending player is not involved in the play.
34) 10 seconds. Exception: FC Dallas keepers are allowed 30 seconds.
35) Once???
36) No.
37) No.
38) The goal counts.
39) With the arm raised vertically.
40) The opponent is awarded an indirect kick from the same spot.

How did I do? There are some tough questions on this quiz. I need to bone up on the rules.

[knowwonnose]

Originally Posted by I_Believe_In_Kreis

OK, I'll bite on a few of these.

20) At the midfield stripe on the bench side.
21) No.
22) Shirt, shorts, socks, boots, shinguards.
23) 15 minutes???
24) They may choose to defend a particular goal, or to take the first half kickoff.
25) If the winner chooses to take the ball, the loser chooses the end. If the winner picks an end, the loser has first half kickoff.
26) Yes.
27) No.
28) It may be taken as a goal kick???
29) From the penalty spot???
30) When it completely crosses an end line or touch line, on the ground or airborne.
31) Overtime, shootout, coin flip.
32) When he is closer to the opponent's goal than the opponent's two deepest defenders (including the GK) when the ball is played to him.
33) On throw-ins, corner kicks, and when the assistant determines the offending player is not involved in the play.
34) 10 seconds. Exception: FC Dallas keepers are allowed 30 seconds.
35) Once???
36) No.
37) No.
38) The goal counts.
39) With the arm raised vertically.
40) The opponent is awarded an indirect kick from the same spot.

How did I do? There are some tough questions on this quiz. I need to bone up on the rules.

I think you did well. Without looking them up I think 40) should be a goal kick is awarded. I thought 34) was 6 or 8 seconds which is never really observed, and, yes, Salas pushes the limit plus.

I'm not sure exactly what 35 means (dribble ball, pick it up, dribble, pick up???). I see guys bouncing it all the time which would be multiple touches.

As for 22), I saw that video clip that was listed a couple weeks ago, and all the lady had on was a smile. 😲 Would she get a red card for that?

[AreliusIV]

Originally Posted by knowwonnose

I'm not sure exactly what 35 means (dribble ball, pick it up, dribble, pick up???). I see guys bouncing it all the time which would be multiple touches.

Bouncing the ball is considered part of a single possession.

[AreliusIV]

And now, what you've all been waiting for with bated breath (not baited breath): The Answers.

1) For international matches, what is the minimum and maximum length and width of the field?
Length: min. 110 yards; max. 120 yards.
Width: min. 70 yards; max. 80 yards.

2) Soccer is played on a field rectanguar in shape. What is the official name of the two longer boundaries of the field? The two shorter field boundaries?
Touchlines; goal lines.

3) What is the maximum width (in inches) of the chalk lines of the field?
5 inches.

4) What is the radius of the circle around the midfield center mark?
10 yards.

5) How is the goal area measured?
The outside lines are 6 yards from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field 6 yards and are joined by a line.

6) How is the penalty area measured?
Outside lines are 18 yards from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend 18 yards and are joined by a line.

7) How far from the goal is the penalty mark?
12 yards.

8) What is the radius of the arc outside of the penalty area? From what mark is it measured?
10 yards. Measured from the penalty spot.

9) what is the minimum height of the corner flags?
5 ft.

10) What is the radius of the corner arc?
1 yard.

11) What is the distance between the goal posts?
8 yards.

12) What is the height of the crossbar?
8 ft.

13) What is the width of the goalposts and crossbar?
5 inches.

14) How many colors are allowed for the goalposts and crossbar?
One; white.

15) How far from the carner arc is the mark made to ensure that this distance is observed when a corner kick is being taken?
10 yards.

16) What is the minimum and maximum circumference of the ball in inches?
27 inches - 28 inches.

17) What is the minimum and maximum weight of the ball?
14 oz. - 16 oz.

18) What is the minimum and maximum number of players for a side to field a team on the field?
7; 11.

19) Generally, what is the maximum number of substitutes that may be used?
3.

20) Where is the only place a substitute may enter the field?
At the halfway line.

21) Can the player who is subbed out return to the field at a later time in the match?
No.

22) What are the 5 main compulsory items of clothing worn by the players?
Jersey
Shorts
Stockings
Shinguards
Footwear

23) Generally, what is the maximum amount of time for the half-time interval?
15 minutes.

24) What does the team that wins the coin-toss at the beginning of the match decide?
Which goal it will attack in the first half. This team takes the kick-off to start the second half.

25) What does the team that lost the coin-toss do?
Take the kick-off to start the match.

26) Can a goal be scored directly from the kick-off?
Yes.

27) Can a player touch the ball more than once at the kick-off before it has touched another player?
No.

28) Where can a free kick be taken by the defending team when it is awarded inside the goal area?
Anywhere within the goal area.

29) Where, within the goal area of the attacking team's opponents, is an INDIRECT free kick taken when awarded to the attacking team?
From the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the foul occured.

30) When is the ball out of play?
When it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air.

31) What are the three methods of determining a winner after a match has been drawn?
Away goals.
Extra time.
Penalty kicks.

32) When is a player in an offside position?
When he (his head, body or feet) is nearer to his opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent. Arms are not included in this definition.

33) What are exceptions to this rule?
He is in his own half.
He is level with the second last opponent.
He is technically offsides but is not interfering with play [i.e. touching the ball], an opponent [i.e.; preventing an opponent from playingor being able to play the ball by obstructing the opponent's line of vision or by distracting the opponent], or gaining advantage by being in that position [i.e.; playing a ball that rebounds off a post or an opponent].
He receives the ball directly from a goal kick, a throw-in or a corner kick.

34) How many seconds may the goalkeeper control the ball with his hands?
6.

35) How many times may the goalkeeper touch the ball with his hands before it touches another player?
Once.

36) May a goalkeeper touch the ball with his hands when taken from a throw-in by a team-mate?
No.

37) May a goalkeeper touch the ball with his hands when it is kicked to him by a team-mate?
No.

38) What happens if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal?
A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.

39) How does a referee indicate an indirect free kick?
By raising his arm above his head. He maintains his arm in that position until the kick has been taken and the ball has touched another player or goes out of play.

40) What happens if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponent's goal?
A goal kick is awarded.

41) What happens if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal?
A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.

42) How far must opponents be from the ball before a free kick is taken?
10 yards.

43) Can a goal be scored directly from a throw-in?
No.

44) What is the minimum distance opponents may stand to the point at which the throw-in is taken?
2 meters.

45) May a goal be scored directly from a goal kick?
Yes, but only against the opposing team.

46) What is the minimum distance the goalkeeper must kick a goal kick.
At least outside the penalty area.

47) May a goal be scored directly from a corner kick?
Yes, but only against the opposing team.

48) Who chooses the goal at which penalty kicks are taken at the end of a match to determine a winner?
The referee.

49) Who determines which teams goes first?
The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the first or second kick.

50) How is the technical area (within which a coach can move) measured?
1 yard on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1 yard from the touch line.

51) Is it an offense if a player, with the ball under control within playing distance, screens the ball from an opponent without using his arms?
No.

52) Is it an offense if a player prevents an opponent challenging for the ball with the use of the hand, arm, legs?
Yes.

53) What is the technical term of faking an injury or foul?
Simluation.

54) Can/should a player be cautioned if he covers his head with his shirt during a goal celebration?
Yes.

[AreliusIV]

(Cont.)

1) Are goal nets compulsory?
No, although some competitions may require them.

2) If another ball enters the field of play during the match, should the referee stop play immediately?
Only if the additional ball interfers with the match. Ohterwise, the referee will remove it at the earliest possible opportunity.

3) A player who is about to be replaced refuses to leave the field. What action does the referee take?
None. This does not come under his jurisdiction.

4) Must a player, who is being substituted, leave the field of play at the halfway line?
No.

5) Is it permissible for a goalkeeper to take a throw-in or corner kick?
Yes.

6) What action should the referee take if a player removes his shirt to reveal a similar shirt underneath?
The referee must caution the player.

7) Can a captain send off one of his team-mates for misconduct?
No. Only the referee can send off a player.

8) Can the referee show yellow or red cards during the half time interval or after the match is finished?
Yes. He continues to arbitrate the match until he leaves the field of play.

9) An assistant referee signals that the ball has passed over the touch line. A defending player inside the penalty area strikes an attacking player. What action should the referee take?
The defending player is sent off with a red card and the referee restarts the match with a throw-in since the ball was out of play when the offense occured.

10) A defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area but finishes inside the penalty area. What action should the referee take?
He would award a penalty kick.

11) A team is awarded a free kick in its own penalty area. The player taking the kick hits the ball against a team-mate who is inside the penalty area and the ball enters the goal. What action does the referee take?
The kick is retaken since the ball is not in play until it has passed outside the penalty area.

12) A player taking a penalty kick plays the ball forward for a team-mate to run on to it and score. Is this permitted?
Yes.

13) A player takes a thorw-in correctly. The ball does not enter the field of play but remains outside the touch line. What action does the referee take?
The throw-in is retaken.

14) Is a player allowed to take a throw-in kneeling or sitting down?
No.