The soccer field should always be rectangular with a maximum length of 130 yards and a minimum length of 100 yards. The width should be a maximum of 100 yards and a minimum of 50 yards. Junior fields can be smaller, depending on the age level, if the proportions are kept correct.

The ball must be round with a circumference of 27" – 28" for regulation adult play. The weight should be 14 - 16 oz. For medium sized children the size no. 4 is often used (age 7-9). The circumference is 25" – 26 ½" and the weight is 12 - 14 oz. For very small children the no. 3 ball is often used (ages 4 - 7). The circumference is 23 ½" – 25" and the weight is 10 - 12 oz.

Each side is composed of 11 players with the number of subs to be no more than 5. A complete roster of players and subs must be presented to the referee before the game starts. The referee must be notified before a substitution can occur. Any player ejected from the game may not be replaced.

The usual uniform of the soccer player is a jersey, shorts, calf socks, shin guards and shoes. Nothing potentially injurious to another player may be worn. Cleats are normally rubber, plastic, aluminum or leather. The goalkeeper must wear a different color than the other members of the team.

The referee is in charge of all game activity and is to make sure each team abides by the rules. His decisions are final. It is the referee's responsibility to keep the game clock, stop for injuries, and remind players of proper game conduct. He can eject players who do not show gentlemanly conduct.

There are usually two linesmen - one for each sideline. Their main responsibility is to assist the referee by calling ball out of bounds, offsides, indicate corner kicks, and goal kicks. Linesman can be overruled by the referee.

Most adult soccer games are divided into 45 minute halves. The stopwatch, kept by the referee will continue unless there is an injury or unexpected interruption. The game length is usually shortened for younger players (e.g. age 6 - 7 players have two 20 minute halves)

To start play there is a kick off. This happens at the start of the game, halftime and after a goal has been scored. A forward player standing near the center line kicks the ball to a fellow player. After the ball makes one complete revolution the game is officially started. The kicker may not touch the ball until it has been kicked by another player.

After the ball has wholly crossed the sideline or goal line it is out of play. Any ball striking a referee, goal post, or corner post and remaining on the proper field is in play.

A goal is scored when the ball wholly crosses the goal line, between the goal posts and under the cross bar. The winner of the soccer game is determined by the margin of goals scored.

While going toward an opponent's goal the offensive team may not have a player ahead of the ball unless there are two defending players present. The exception to this statement is when the player is in his own half of the field of play or if the ball was last touched by an opponent. The referee has the right to call or not call the offsides infraction depending upon whether the offending player is seeking an unfair advantage.

1. There are nine prohibited acts for which a referee can award a direct kick to the offending team.

1. Kicking
2. Tripping
3. Jumping at opponent
4. Violent charging
5. Striking opponent
6. Holding
7. Pushing
8. Handling Ball
9. Charging from behind

2. An indirect kick shall be awarded when these acts occur:

1. Dangerous playing (high kicking)
2. Charging away from the ball
3. Charging the goalkeeper when he doesn't have the ball
4. Opponent obstruction
5. A goalkeeper takes more than four steps

The two basic kicks awarded by the referee are the:

1. Direct Free Kick (a goal can be attempted or a pass made to a teammate)
2. Indirect Kick (must touch another player before a goal can be scored)

A penalty kick is awarded after a serious rule infraction (Law No. 12, Part A) takes place in the penalty area. It is a direct kick taken 12 yards from the goal line. All players except the goalie and a kicker must stay outside of the penalty area. The goalie must stand on the goal line and may not move until the ball is kicked.

After the ball has wholly crossed the sidelines, the team that didn't touch the ball last shall be awarded the throw in. These rules should be remembered as part of the throw in regulations.

1. Both feet must be out of bounds when the throw is made (on or behind the side line)
2. The ball must be thrown by both hands directly over the head.
3. Both feet must be touching the ground as the throw is made.
4. On incorrect throws the ball is awarded to the opposite team.

A goal kick is awarded when the ball (after being kicked by the offense) crosses the goal line but not within the goal scoring area. The ball is usually placed on the corner of the goal area nearest the side where the ball went out of bounds. The ball must travel 10 yards before it can be regarded as in play. The kick is usually taken by the fullback or goalkeeper.

A corner kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by a defensive player and doesn't result in a goal. One member of the attacking team takes the kick on the quarter circle nearest the corner flag post. A goal may be scored from this kick. Also remember:

1. The opposing team must remain 10 yards from the ball as it is kicked.

The kicker may not kick the ball a second time until touched by another player.