The Young Chronicle: For Grade 3 October 31st, 2014 | Page 2
YOUNG CHRONICLE
November 1st, 2014
While you are busy with the Football Super League, Here are some
football rules for you
While the football fever is on, we thought it would be good to
revise some rules.
Players: The maximum players per team are 11 (Goal
keeper + 10 field players).
Field Size: The official field size is
Length: 100 to 110 meters; and
Width: 64 to 75 meters.
Ball Size: for children, the football size is 4, for children over
12 year olds, is size 5.
Goal Line
Starting the Game: The game is started with a kick off 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 ball is
passed forward.
How long is a game? For basic soccer rules a game is no more than 90 min long. Two halves of 45 min with a 15 min half
time break, is how long the pros play.
Game in play: As long the ball stays in the field, the game is in play. The only exception is when the referee blows his
whistle for an infraction or offside. The ball is considered in play as long as it is inside the goal and side-lines. Further, it's
still in play even when it is in contact with the outer line or the goal, or is in the air.
Goal: The main aim of the game is to get the ball in the opposing team’s goal. The team with the most goals after the
specified time is the winner. The ball must cross the goal line to be a goal. So, even if the ball is in contact with the goal line
it is not a goal!
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 is any part of your fingers or between your fingers (including nails) to your upper arm. Your shoulder can be used,
though! The goalie is not allowed to use their hands if the ball was kicked back to them intentionally by any of his/her teammates. 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.
Out of Bounds