Master all 17 Laws of the Game with visual examples, real match scenarios, and an interactive quiz. Free for beginners and football enthusiasts.
Everything you need to understand football rules — explained clearly, visually, and interactively.
Football (soccer) is governed by 17 Laws of the Game, set and maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). These rules cover everything from the dimensions of the pitch to how the ball must be kicked at a penalty. While the rules themselves are written in formal legal language, this guide breaks them down into plain English with real match examples, visual diagrams, and scenario-based quizzes — making it the most beginner-friendly way to learn football rules interactively.
Whether you're a complete beginner trying to understand your first match, a player preparing for a referee exam, or a parent explaining the offside rule to a child, this resource has you covered. The open-source project on GitHub also lets you run code simulations to test edge-case rule scenarios.
The most important rules visually broken down — click any card to explore the full scenario.
A player is offside if any part of their body (that can legally score) is beyond the second-last defender when the ball is played to them. Being offside is not itself a foul — it only becomes one if the player actively engages with play.
A red card results in immediate dismissal and the player's team continues with ten players. Red cards are given for serious fouls, violent conduct, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, and second yellow card offenses.
A yellow card is a formal caution. Two yellow cards in one match equals a red card and dismissal. Cautionable offenses include diving, time-wasting, persistent fouling, dissent, and unauthorized entry to the field.
Awarded when a player commits a direct free kick offense inside their own penalty area. Taken from 11 meters, only the goalkeeper defends. All other players must be outside the area until the ball is kicked.
Awarded when the ball crosses a touchline. Both feet must stay on or behind the line. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.
The Video Assistant Referee reviews four types of incidents: goals and offenses before them, penalty decisions, direct red card offenses, and mistaken identity.
A handball offense occurs when a player deliberately handles the ball, or when the arm/hand makes the body unnaturally larger. Accidental handball that leads to a goal is also penalized since 2019.
The referee adds time at the end of each half to compensate for stoppages: injuries, substitutions, goal celebrations, VAR checks, and deliberate time-wasting.
Football is governed by exactly 17 Laws, written and maintained by IFAB. Here is every law explained in plain language.
| # | Law Name | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Field of Play | Pitch dimensions, markings, goals, and surface requirements |
| 2 | The Ball | Size, weight, material, and pressure specifications for the match ball |
| 3 | The Players | Number of players (11 per team), goalkeeper rules, and player roles |
| 4 | The Players' Equipment | Compulsory kit, prohibited items, and equipment safety rules |
| 5 | The Referee | Authority, powers, and duties of the match referee |
| 6 | The Other Match Officials | Assistant referees, fourth official, and VAR roles and responsibilities |
| 7 | The Duration of the Match | Two 45-minute halves, added time, extra time, and abandonment rules |
| 8 | The Start and Restart of Play | Kick-off procedure, dropped ball, and restarting after stoppages |
| 9 | The Ball In and Out of Play | When the ball is in play vs. out of play — key for offsides and fouls |
| 10 | Determining the Outcome of a Match | Scoring a goal, own goals, away goals rule (abolished), penalty shoot-outs |
| 11 | Offside | Offside position, active involvement, and VAR offside checks |
| 12 | Fouls and Misconduct | Direct/indirect free kicks, yellow cards, red cards, and VAR reviews |
| 13 | Free Kicks | Direct and indirect free kick procedures, wall distance (9.15m), and quick restarts |
| 14 | The Penalty Kick | Penalty taking procedure, goalkeeper position, rebound rules |
| 15 | The Throw-In | Throw-in technique, position rules, and what happens on an improper throw |
| 16 | The Goal Kick | When and how a goal kick is taken; ball in play from inside penalty area |
| 17 | The Corner Kick | Procedure, positioning, and whether a goal can be scored directly |
Apply what you've learned with these scenario-based questions. 8 questions covering the key rules.
The most common questions about football rules — answered clearly.
Explore the full range of materials — from a downloadable PDF to open-source code simulations.
Complete guide covering all 17 Laws with throw-ins, cards, penalties, and extra time.
Free DownloadStructured explanation of football rules with interactive learning examples and methodology.
In-Depth ReadQuick-reference diagrams and graphics covering key rules at a glance.
PinterestOpen-source code to run football rule simulations and test edge-case scenarios interactively.
Open SourceSubscribe to receive new interactive content and resources as they are published.
SubscribeThe authoritative source — the full official Laws of the Game from the International FA Board.
Official SourceGo deeper on the rules that matter most. Each guide covers a specific area of football law with clear explanations, examples, and edge cases.
What offside means, when it applies, active involvement, and VAR controversies.
When a foul becomes a card, what counts as handball, and penalty kick triggers.
Rules for every restart — including the edge cases most fans get wrong.