You make your way down the field as your teammate dribbles up even to you. They make the pass, and with one big kick, the goal is yours!  Soccer is beneficial for you in a multitude of ways; it can improve your physical fitness, help you understand group dynamics, but first, you must understand the rules. The rules of soccer can vary from different age groups to different levels. These enforced guidelines capture everything from handballs to free kicks. There are a variety of rules, and these rules are the ones you must know in order to play, as well as the ones that can lead to clean and fair game. 

     The first few rules are the most basic rules but are equally as important as the others. Two of these basic rules are the no-hands rule and the no pushing/ tripping rule. The referee can call a handball when the ball touches anywhere from your  shoulders to your fingertips. The only time you can touch the ball with your hands is either when you are the goalie in the 18 yard box, or you are taking a throw in. If a handball is made in the 18 yard box by the defending side’s team, there is a penalty kick for the opposing team. If you are outside the box and you make a handball, the other team receives a free kick.

     There are a few differences between penalty kicks and free kicks. One of these is the location it is kicked from. Penalty kicks are more simply a free shot on goal. It is a one-on-one competition between the chosen kicker and the goalie.  Penalties are inside the 18 yard box, and free kicks are anywhere else. Penalties or free kicks can also be earned if a player fouls, or pushes/trips another player. Once more, the fouled player's team gets the kick. These rules are the basics that any spectator or player must know to comprehend the game. 

     Now that the basic rules have been established, there are still a lot more important directives to remember. These directives are as follows: corner kicks, goal kicks, and throw ins/kick ins (depending on the level or area playing). There are a few things to know before proceeding to the rules; the line the goal is sitting on is called the end line, and the longer lines on the field are called the sidelines.  

     The rules are as follows; a corner kick occurs when the defending side’s team kicks the ball over the end line. The opposing team would receive a kick that must be placed on the corner or the arc surrounding it.  When the opposing team kicks the ball over the defending side’s end line, a goal kick would be gifted to the defending team. The goalie or a defender could take the kick, but the ball has to be placed on the little box surrounding the goal. If a player kicks the ball over the sidelines, the other team would gain possession of the ball, but they must first throw it in. Throw-ins must be behind the sideline where the ball was kicked out. When throwing, the ball must be behind your head, and both your feet have to be on the ground.  These rules are just as important as the rest when understanding this game. 

     Soccer has many rules that are crucial to recognize. The rules have a vast variety and many different branches, all of which aid in the navigation of accurate play. When observing or participating in any game, rules and guidelines are extremely important when it comes to understanding it. 

-Ila B.