The rules of soccer are quite simple although they have been around for a very long time. It starts off very easy and can be very easy to remember. However in organized soccer where players will cheat just to win, there are complex and harder to remember rules that must be abided by for the game to run as a fair match to both sides. There are two teams in a competition like any two sided competitions. The whole field is about one hundred and twenty yards long and forty or so wide give or take on either the length or the width. There is the end line on either end. Attached to the end line is the goal box where the goalie can play with his hands if the ball is kicked by an opposite team’s player or is headed back to the goalie from the same team. Speaking of kicking and heading, a player may use any part of his or her body to command the ball besides his or her hands, arms, or shoulders unless he or she happens to be the goalkeeper.

As previously stated, the goalkeeper may use the hands if the ball is kicked from the opposite player or a teammate uses the head to get the ball to the goalie. In half field there is the half line. The width is commanded by the sideline that runs the full length of the field on either side hitting the end lines on either side as well. If the ball goes out of bounds or out of the field of play which means off the sidelines or end lines then it is out of play. At which case, a player must throw the ball in with his hands, with two hands, making sure that it goes over the head in a straight motion. In the event of a throw-in a player must make sure his feet do not go in-bounds otherwise the referee will call an illegal throw.

The game is governed by two to four referees. In professional match play, there will usually be four referees. In an amateur game or match it is harder on the refs but not uncommon to see only two refs governing the match. When there are three to four refs, there is the center ref. The center ref is the one in charge of the match and can override any of the linesman at any time. He is in total control and issues any warnings or ejections for fouls committed or an obstruction of the rules. The linesman move up and down the sidelines and help the ref catch obstructions and other fouls. In the case that there happens to be a fourth official or ref, he stays at the half field all the time governing substitutions and also assisting the center ref with any duties that the center ref sees fit. The game of soccer is governed by a global body known by many as FIFA. Playing soccer is exciting and energizing for men, women and children today.

Another sport that has many rules is Billiards and it is important to clarify with the official rules of billiards before you start to prevent any disputes.