Football rules
Wednesday 7 October 2009
Find out what rules football players must follow when they play the game and how they get punished when they break them.
Who makes up the rules?
The rules of football, known rather grandly as “Laws of the Game”, are created by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The Fédération Internationale de Football Association or FIFA, is the body that governs football around the world and they also have a say in the rules.
In England the rules are enforced by the Football Association (FA). In Scotland it’s the Scottish FA.
Major no nos
The rules and regulations cover a whole load of matters including misconduct, financial dealings and the way the game is played.
So what are the major game play rules?
Foul
A foul is when a player attempts to tackle his opponent who is in possession of the ball but does not win the ball. By tackling an opponent this way it may mean that the player may lose the advantage they had.
Certain tackles are considered fouls even if the ball is won. These include:-
- Tackle from behind - when a player slides the opponent from behind either through him or round his legs.
- The high tackle - when the studs of the boots are raised off the ground. These dangerous tackles have been outlawed by FIFA.
- Violent conduct – this is when a player fouls an opponent with no intention of winning the ball, for example an elbow to the face.
- Handball – the use of the hands to deflect the ball.
- Simulation – when a player ‘dives’ or makes a fuss to make it seem like they have been fouled when they haven’t.
Free kicks
A team whose player is fouled, get the advantadge when the game restarts. Players take a penalty kick - that's just them and the goalkeeper, when they are fouled in the penalty box. A player takes a free kick and direct kick when somone fouls them outside of the penalty box.
Punishments
When a player breaks the rules they get punished!
Yellow cards
Referees are able to issue yellows for fouls, for descent (talking back to the ref), and for simulation.
You’re off!
When a player gets two yellow cards this is automatically becomes a red card and they will be sent off.
If a player gets too many yellow cards in a competition they will get suspended for a number of games.
In the premier league 5 yellow cards will result in a fine and a suspension of one game.
Red card
Referees can issue a red card for a foul, a stud high challenge, a tackle from behind, descent, violent conduct, and if a player prevents the opponent from taking a clear goal scoring opportunity.
A red-carded player will be asked to leave the field and they will also be suspended. In the premier league a straight red card results in a three game ban!
In the news
Many players have been in the news this season for breaking rules.
Dive no more
Diving has been a big issue in world football for some time. In South American and other countries diving has been seen as a clever trick, whereas it is more frowned upon in the UK game. The world’s most expensive player Ronaldo and Drogba of Chelsea are examples of players who have been told off for diving – a lot!
The issue was highlighted recently when Arsenal’s Eduardo appeared to dive in a very important Champions League Qualifier against Celtic. He was initially banned for two games. However the decision was overturned on appeal.
The incident has made official realised that the problem of diving has to be looked at.
Respect please
The problem of descent has been another recent issue to hit the news. Wayne Rooney who plays for Premier League Champions Manchester United came under criticism for descent recently.
The FA is running the Respect campaign aimed at discouraging players from surrounding a referee when they don’t agree with a decision.
However, although the situation seems to have improved a little, many football managers are choosing to criticise referee’s decisions more than ever.
