The University of Texas at El Paso

Recreational Sports Department

SOCCER RULES

(Outdoor)

Players and Substitutions:

Eight players constitute a team. A team may start or continue a game with six players. Substitutions may be made at half-time, on goal kicks, corner kicks, goals by either team, throw in or when an injured player is unable to continue in the game. (In order for a substitute to enter the field, he/she must wait for his/her team member to exit the field). No substitutions will be allowed during a penalty kick.

Kickoff:

Players opposing the kicker shall be at least ten (10) yards from the ball until it is kicked. The ball shall not be deemed in play, until it has moved its circumference into the field occupied by the team OPPOSING THE KICKER.

Ball Out of Play:

The ball is out of play when it has completely crossed a goal line or sideline, whether on the ground or IN THE AIR.

Scoring:

A goal may be scored during normal play directly from a:

- Direct free kick

- Penalty kick

- Corner kick

- Drop ball

- Goalkeeper’s throw, punt or drop-kick

A goal may not be scored directly from a/an:

- Kicker of a kickoff

- Indirect free kick

- Goal kick

Free Kicks:

Shall be classified "Direct" or "Indirect", and they may be taken in any direction (except for the penalty kick).

WHEN AWARDED:

Direct Kick:

A. If a player trips, kicks, pushes, holds, charges violently, strikes, charges into the goal keeper, intentionally handles the ball or jumps at an opponent.

Indirect Kick:

B. If a player leaves the field without permission, illegal entry onto the field, if a player is offside for dangerous play, if a goalkeeper takes more than four (4) steps before releasing the ball, for misconduct, or unusual situations and one team has clear possession of the ball.

HOW TAKEN:

A. Players opposing the kicker shall be at least ten (10) yards from the ball until it is kicked, unless they are standing on their own goal line between the goal line between the goal posts.

B. The ball may be played without a second whistle, unless the ten (10) yards are requested by the attacking team.

Penalty Kick:

Shall be awarded when a foul, which ordinarily results in the awarding of a direct free kick, occurs within the offending team’s penalty area. Kicker must wait for a second whistle.

Throw - In:

The thrower shall use both hands within equal force and shall deliver the ball from behind and over the head in one continuous movement. If the ball fails to enter the field of play it shall be re-thrown. (Player must execute the throw in where official indicates).

Goal Kick:

Players opposing the kicker shall remain outside of the penalty area. A goal kick shall clear the penalty area and enter the field of play, if it is not kicked beyond the penalty area, the goal kicked shall be repeated. After the goal kick the ball may be played by any player except the one who executes the goal kick.

Corner Kick:

Players of the defending team shall be at least ten (10) yards from the ball until it has been kicked. After the corner kick the ball may be played by any player except the one who executed the corner kick. The kicker may only play the ball after it has been played or touched by another player.

Offside:

It is the position of the receiving player when the ball was kicked and not the position where he or she receives the ball that determines whether or not the receiver is offside.

A. A player is not in an offside position when:

1. That player is in his/her team’s half of the field play

2. There is at least one player between that player and the opposing team’s goal line.

B. A player shall not be considered in an offside position during:

1. Goal kick

2. Corner kicks (initial kick)

3. Throw in

4. Drop by an official

5. Fullback making a mistake (passing) to an opponent player

Linesmen:

They will assist the referee by indicating when and where the ball went out of bounds. They are a very important factor in the outcome of the game and they shall be aware of it. The linesmen will also assist the referee in determining whether a corner kick, or goal kick should be awarded and whether an attacking player is offside. It must be noted that a linesman’s signals are NOT an indication of an award. The final decision must always be made by the referee.

New FIFA rules:

1. Last man on defense:

If you’re the last man defending your goal and you foul an opponent with the intent to prevent an opponent from scoring, you will be ejected from the game; even without a previous warning.

2. Goal keeper rule:

When a defender kicks the ball back to the goal keeper and he picks it up, an indirect kick should be awarded to the other team at the spot of the violation. The defender may however, use his head or chest to pass it back to the goal keeper.

* All rules not covered by this supplement shall be governed by Federation International Football Association / rules.

Revised 09/05/05