The Laws of the Game in football are updated with small changes each season by IFAB and local federations, but the core logic has remained the same for years. Below, we will cover in a clear and fluent way the basic rules of classic 11-a-side football, pitch dimensions, the card system and also the small-sided/five-a-side pitch format in one single guide.
The Field of Play
A football pitch is a rectangular area and the minimum–maximum length and width are defined by IFAB. The width of the lines, the penalty area, the penalty arc, the goal area, the centre circle and the corner arcs all fall under this Law.
In professional stadiums the surface is usually natural grass, while in some top-level venues more durable systems such as
hybrid grass are used.
In amateur and commercial facilities, pitches are often built with different five-a-side pitch dimensions and it is very common to use artificial turf surfaces.
The Ball
The ball must be spherical and have a specific circumference and weight. Depending on the league or competition, there may be an obligation to use an approved brand and model.
- In official matches, the pressure, circumference and material of the ball are defined within fixed ranges.
- If the ball is damaged, the referee stops the game and restarts it correctly according to the Laws.
Number of Players
A team consists of a maximum of 11 players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. For a match to start, the number of players per team must not fall below the minimum set by the national federation.
- In official matches, the number of substitutes and substitution rights are defined in the competition regulations.
- If the number of players drops below a certain level, the referee may abandon the match.
Players’ Equipment
The compulsory basic equipment of each player consists of a jersey or shirt, shorts, socks, shinguards and appropriate football boots. The kit colours of the two teams must be clearly distinguishable for the referee and spectators.
- Goalkeepers must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and from outfield players.
- Jewellery such as chains or bracelets that may pose a danger is prohibited; the referee is responsible for ensuring these are removed.
The Referee
The referee is the sole authority on the field of play and is responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game. Starting and stopping the match, awarding fouls and cards all fall under the referee’s authority.
- The referee always prioritises player safety and may temporarily suspend or abandon the match if necessary.
- Decisions taken by the referee on the field of play are not changed except in exceptional cases such as a clear misapplication of the Laws or mistaken identity.
Assistant Referees and Other Match Officials
Assistant referees, the fourth official and, where used, the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) team support the referee. Assistant referees play a key role particularly in offside situations, throw-ins and determining whether the ball has fully crossed the lines.
- The assistant referee signals to the referee with the flag but the final decision always rests with the referee.
- The VAR system is a support mechanism to help correct clear and obvious errors.
Duration of the Match
A standard football match consists of two halves of 45 minutes each. The referee may add time at the end of each half for reasons such as substitutions, injuries, time-wasting and VAR checks.
- The half-time interval is usually 15 minutes and is applied as such unless otherwise stated in the competition regulations.
- In five-a-side pitches and recreational facilities, the duration of the game is shorter; when planning match schedules in commercial venues, these durations and potential revenues are evaluated together with cost calculations.
Match Duration and Pitch Details in Five-a-Side Football
Five-a-side football rules differ from professional 11-a-side fixtures. The duration of play can vary depending on the size of the pitch and the competition format. On average, matches are played in 2×25 minutes or 2×30 minutes. There might be no half-time break or it generally does not exceed 5 minutes. Substitutions are unlimited and can be made at appropriate moments without disrupting the flow of the game.
- On small-sided pitches used for amateur play, smaller dimensions than standard 11-a-side fields are preferred. Sizes such as 20×40, 25×45 and 30×50 metres are common. On larger pitches, 7-a-side or 8-a-side formats are preferred. For more detailed tables and analysis of different pitch types and dimensions, you can check the five-a-side pitch dimensions page.
- Artificial turf is the most widely used surface material; it is durable and playable in almost all seasons.
- Five-a-side pitches usually have nets or rebound boards around the pitch to prevent the ball from going out of play, which significantly increases effective playing time.
- In amateur facilities, match duration is set according to the rental period and occupancy of the pitch. These durations directly affect the economic planning of the venue.
If you are a business owner looking to generate income and you have an area large enough for a pitch, you can consult the synthetic grass pitch construction costs guide.
It is worth noting that the main differences between official 11-a-side matches and five-a-side games come from time management and pitch size. While professional football is played over 90 minutes, five-a-side football offers shorter but more intense match periods. This keeps both player endurance and pitch utilisation in balance.
Starting and Restarting Play
The match starts with the referee’s whistle and a kick-off from the centre spot. After a goal is scored, play is restarted again with a kick-off from the centre. Every time play is stopped, there is a specific method of restart in line with the relevant Law.
- At the first kick-off, the ball must move forward to be considered in play.
- If the referee stops the game due to an external reason, play is usually restarted with a dropped ball.
The Ball In and Out of Play
Once the referee has started the match, the ball is either in play or out of play. The ball is out of play when it has completely crossed the goal line or the touchline. All periods when the ball is out are recorded and, at the end of the 90 minutes, additional time is added to compensate for lost time, which is indicated by the fourth official.
- Unless the referee stops the match, the ball remains in play even if it rebounds off the goalposts, crossbar or the referee.
- When the ball has fully crossed the line, the method of restarting play is determined according to Laws 15, 16 and 17.
Determining the Outcome of a Match
The result of a match is determined by the number of goals scored by each team at the end of normal time. If the scores are level, depending on the competition regulations the match may end in a draw or continue to extra time and a penalty shoot-out.
- In two-legged ties, additional criteria such as away goals, extra time or a penalty shoot-out may be used.
- In league formats, three points are awarded for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss.
Offside
Yes, this is the most talked-about, most debated Law in football — the one that can divide friends at the pub. Sometimes a single offside decision can define matches that are discussed for months and create moments that go down in history. VAR has arrived, technology has advanced, but offside debates still haven’t disappeared, because one of the most human sides of football is still hidden in this complex yet fascinating rule.
Offside is an infringement that occurs when an attacking player is in an offside position — closer to the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent at the moment the ball is played to them — and becomes actively involved in play.
When is offside not given?
- No offside offence is given directly from a throw-in, corner kick or goal kick.
- The purpose of the offside Law is to prevent attackers from simply camping near the goal and to stop unfair advantages created by extreme positioning behind the defensive line.
- In most small-sided games played on five-a-side pitches, the offside Law and throw-ins often do not apply. This makes the game faster and freer flowing.
Fouls and Serious Misconduct
Kicking, pushing, holding, elbowing or sliding in a dangerous manner are all considered fouls and actions that may endanger an opponent. Depending on the severity of the offence, a free kick, penalty, yellow card or red card may be awarded.
- Unsporting behaviour, dissent, verbal abuse or insulting language also lead to disciplinary sanctions.
- Serious fouls that endanger the safety of an opponent can result in a direct red card.
Free Kicks
Free kicks are divided into two types: direct and indirect. From a direct free kick, a goal can be scored directly against the opponents, while from an indirect free kick the ball must touch another player before a goal can be awarded.
- The referee usually signals an indirect free kick by raising one arm above the head.
- When a free kick is taken, opponents must remain a certain distance away from the ball.
The Penalty Kick
A penalty is awarded for a direct free-kick offence committed by a defending player inside their own penalty area. The ball is placed on the penalty mark, 11 metres from the goal line, the goalkeeper must remain on the goal line until the ball is kicked and all other players must stay outside the penalty area.
- It is an offence if the goalkeeper leaves the line early or if other players encroach into the penalty area before the kick is taken.
- Depending on the type of infringement, the referee may order the penalty to be retaken or award an indirect free kick.
The Throw-In
When the ball has wholly crossed the touchline, play is restarted with a throw-in. The throw-in is taken by the opponents of the player who last touched the ball.
- The player must deliver the ball from behind and over the head with both hands.
- If the ball is thrown directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal is not awarded and a goal kick is given instead.
- At least part of each foot must be on or behind the touchline when taking the throw-in. If the throw-in is taken incorrectly, it is awarded to the opposing team.
The Goal Kick
A goal kick is awarded when the ball, having last touched a player of the attacking team, crosses the goal line without a goal being scored. The goal kick is taken by the defending team.
- The ball is in play once it is kicked and clearly moves and has left the penalty area.
- Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
The Corner Kick
A corner kick is awarded when the ball, having last touched a player of the defending team, crosses the goal line without a goal being scored. The corner is taken by the attacking team from the corner nearest to where the ball crossed the line.
- The ball is placed inside the corner arc and kicked back into play.
- A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick; this makes corners a very important attacking opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Laws of the Game
Question 1: What are the basic Laws of the Game in football?
The Laws of the Game define everything from pitch dimensions and ball specifications to the number of players, the authority of the referee, offside, penalties and more. There are 17 main Laws that set out where, how and by whom the game is played. The main aim is to ensure that both teams compete under equal, fair and safe conditions.
Question 2: Should 11-a-side pitch dimensions and the Laws of the Game be considered together?
Yes. Technical details such as pitch dimensions, goal height and the distance of the penalty area are actually part of the Laws. Many aspects like goal-line technology, the distance of the penalty mark and the defensive line in relation to offside are directly linked to these measurements. If the pitch dimensions are not correct, it becomes difficult to apply the Laws properly.
Question 3: How do five-a-side football rules and match duration differ from professional football?
In five-a-side football, matches are generally shorter and halves last around 20–30 minutes. The number of players per team drops to 6, 7 or 8. Substitutions are unlimited, offside is not enforced in most venues and some physical contact (such as light shoulder contact) may be interpreted more flexibly. However, the logic behind throw-ins, corners, goal kicks, penalties and cards is largely similar to the 11-a-side game.
Question 4: How would you explain the offside Law in simple terms?
In the simplest terms: a player is in an offside position if, at the moment their team-mate plays the ball to them, they are closer to the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender (usually the goalkeeper and one outfield player), and they then become actively involved in play. There is no offside offence from a throw-in, corner or goal kick. The offside Law exists to prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage by leaving attackers standing close to the goal.
Question 5: What should we focus on when explaining the Laws of the Game to children?
When explaining the Laws to children, it is better to focus less on technical detail and more on the spirit of the game: fair play, respect for opponents, not arguing with the referee, avoiding dangerous tackles and playing as a team. Technical aspects like offside, penalties and throw-ins can be made easier to understand through simple examples and visual aids.
Question 6: Are the Laws of the Game very different in amateur leagues?
The basic framework is the same: fouls, cards, offside, penalties, throw-ins and corners are all applied in amateur leagues as well. The main differences usually appear in the number of substitutions, squad sizes, the organisation of the technical area and how strictly disciplinary measures are enforced. Some amateur leagues allow more flexible substitution rules or lighter licensing requirements.
Question 7: How is a penalty kick taken and what counts as an infringement?
A penalty is awarded for a direct free-kick offence committed inside the defending team’s own penalty area. The ball is placed on the penalty mark, the goalkeeper stays on the goal line, and apart from the kicker and goalkeeper, all players remain outside the penalty area and penalty arc. Infringements such as the goalkeeper moving off the line early, the kicker touching the ball twice in succession or encroachment by other players may lead the referee to order a retake or award an indirect free kick to the opposition.