Principles of Football / Soccer: Complete Rules, Regulations, and Game Structure Explained

Premier League Season Structure & Points System

Principles of Football

During the regular season of the Premier League, all teams play a total of 38 matches, with each match consisting of two halves. Each team plays 19 home matches and 19 away matches. Teams earn three points for a victory, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. The team with the most points after all matches have been played is declared the Premier League Champion.
In addition to the points system, the Premier League also has several rules and regulations that govern how teams can interact with one another during the course of a season. The following is a brief description of some of the most important rules and regulations for the Premier League. It will also provide information regarding how the Premier League is structured.

The Field

A football/soccer field is rectangular in shape; therefore, the length and width of the field are different. Typically, a football/soccer field is made of natural grass or artificial turf, with a goal (or net), two (2) goalposts, and a cross-bar located at each end of the field.
The size of the field for international matches must be between 100 metres (110 yards) to 110 metres (120 yards); however, a football/soccer field can vary in size from one country to the next. For international matches, the width of the field can be from 64 metres (70 yards) to 75 metres (80 yards). Each football/soccer field has distinct lines: goal lines, touchlines, half-way line, etc., as well as penalty areas. Each football/soccer field has two goals.
The field of play has a length of 130 yards, a width of 50 yards, with a penalty area (18 yards from each goal line) extending from the end line for both teams. Each goal line is 8 yards long, and therefore the centre point between each goal post (which measures 8 yards apart) is 4 yards away from the front of each goal post.

The Ball

The official match ball is required to be perfectly spherical, have at least two layers of stitched leather or other approved material, have a circumference of 68 to 70 cm (27 to 28 inches), and weigh between 410 and 450 g (14 to 16 oz) when ready to play. Its pressure, as determined by an air pressure gauge at sea level, must be between 0.6 to 1.1 atm.

The Number of Players

Every match consists of two teams of up to 11 players on the field (including 1 goalkeeper for each of the two teams). No match can either start or continue until one of either teams has 7 players.
Three substitutions per game are usually allowed in many competitions; the exact number is dependent on each individual competition at the point of substitution. Substitutes may enter at any time during the match during a stoppage in play with the referee’s approval, and can replace any member of their team’s on-field roster.

The Players’ Gear

Each player must wear a standard set of clothing that includes a shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards, and the right kind of shoes. Goalkeepers must wear something different from all the other players and the referees so that they stand out. The shin guards should be inside the player’s socks and made of rubber, plastic, or another type of material that offers a good amount of protection from injuries. Players may not wear anything that may cause injury to themselves or anyone else (e.g., jewelry).

Referee and Match Officials

The referee is in charge of everything that happens in a soccer game. The referee’s responsibilities include starting and stopping the game, giving free kicks and penalties, issuing yellow and red cards, and maintaining order on the field. The referee has the last word on every situation that arises in the game. He/she has two assistant referees (linesmen) who assist him/her with making certain decisions during a soccer game (e.g., offside, throw-ins, goal kicks).

The Time Length of the Game

A professional football match lasts for a total of 90 minutes and can have a maximum of 15 minutes between each half of the match. After extra/stoppage time has been added to the end of each half because of stoppages during the game for various reasons (injuries, substitutions, others…), extra time may be played in a knockout round final if the teams remain level on points after 90 minutes of regular playing time. If still tied after two periods of extra time are played (30 minutes total), the game will be determined by a penalty shootout.

Kick-Offs, Restarts & In-Play Rules

The start of a professional football match is indicated by a kick-off, taken from the center circle. The team that wins the coin toss has the right to perform the kick-off. If one team scores a goal, the team that allows that goal will kick off to restart play. Other types of restarts in professional football include throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, and free kicks.
When the ball remains within the boundaries of the field, and the referee has not stopped play, it is deemed in-play until the ball completely crosses either the goal line or touchline (whether on the ground or in the air) or until the referee stops play.

Goals, Results & Match Outcomes

A goal is considered scored once the entire ball crosses the goal line between the two goalposts and underneath the crossbar without any player on the scoring team violating any Laws of the Game. The team with the most goals after the final whistle will be declared the winner; however, if both teams have scored an equal number of goals after regulation time is up, then the match will be ruled a draw unless competition rules require a winner.

The Offside Rule

In Football, the Offside Rule is one of the most complex rules in the game. A player is considered to be in an Offside Position when he is closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the Ball and the Second Last Opponent when the Ball is played to him unless that player is in his own half of the field. The Offside Position does not automatically constitute an offense; however, the player will be guilty of an offense if he gains any advantage from his Offside Position.

Fouls, Misconduct & Disciplinary Actions

Most offenses in football are considered fouls and result in penalties. These include kicking, tripping, pushing, striking an opponent, or deliberate handball. Misconduct results in yellow or red cards. Two yellow cards lead to a red card and dismissal without substitution.

Free Kicks & Penalty Kicks

Free-kicks can be direct or indirect. Penalty-kicks are awarded for fouls inside the penalty area and are taken from the penalty mark with only the goalkeeper defending.

Throw-Ins, Goal-Kicks & Corner-Kicks

Throw-ins restart play from the touchline, goal-kicks restart from the goal area, and corner-kicks are awarded when defenders touch the ball last before it crosses the goal line.

Technology in Modern Football

Goal-line technology and VAR assist referees in making accurate decisions regarding goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity.

Fair Play, Sportsmanship & Team Captain

Fair Play and Sportsmanship are core principles of football. Each team has a captain who communicates with the referee and ensures discipline and respect on the field.

Conclusion on Football

Rules and regulations ensure football remains safe, fair, and enjoyable. Understanding these principles helps players, coaches, and fans appreciate the game and promote its global spirit.