Football is one of the most interesting and well-known sports in the world. Kids’ favorite things are kicking the ball, scoring goals, and playing with friends. But to enjoy the Game properly and fairly, you must first understand some simple rules. Here’s a quick way to teach kids the ten most essential football rules for kids.

1. The Goal of the Game

In football, the main goal is to score more goals than the other team. The ball scores a goal when it goes under the crossbar and over the goal line between the two posts. Each team works together to keep their goal safe while they try to score in the other team’s net. Ultimately, the game is won by the team with the most goals.

2. The Number of Players on the Team

In a normal football game, each team has 11 players plus a goalie. Teams play with 5, 7, or 9 players per side, but sometimes, there are fewer players for games with younger kids or at the school level. With this change, kids can improve at the Game and ensure everyone has enough time with the ball. The Game is fair as long as both teams have the same number of players.

3. The Duration of the Game

A professional football game lasts 90 minutes, with a 15-minute break in the middle of each 45-minute half. Kids’ games are usually shorter. Each half lasts 20 to 30 minutes, based on the age limit and league rules. If a game in a competition ends in a tie, extra time or penalty shootouts may be used.

4. The Ball Must Stay in Play

There are lines around the edges of the football field. If the ball goes across the sideline (touchline), it’s out of the Game, and the other team gets a throw-in. If the ball crosses the goal line, but no goal is scored, the team that touched the ball last gets either a goal kick or a corner kick. Keeping the ball in play is essential to keep the Game going and avoid stopping for no reason.

5. No Hands are Allowed (Except for Goalkeepers)

Football is mainly played with your feet, but you can also use your head, chest, or legs to handle and pass the ball. However, they can’t move their hands or arms. Only one player can use their hands, and that player must stay in their punishment area. If a player (other than the goalie) touches the ball on purpose, the other team gets a free kick or a penalty if it happens in the penalty box.

6. The Offside Rule

The offside rule is one of the most complicated rules to understand. Someone is offside if they receive the ball before the last defender (not including the goalie) when it is passed to them. It doesn’t matter if a player is in their half or on the same level as the last defender when the ball is played. The offside rule stops unfair goal-hanging when a player hangs near the other team’s goal and waits for an easy pass to score.

7. Fouls and Free Kicks

Players commit a foul when they stop an opponent unfairly, like by hitting, pushing, or tripping them. If there is a mistake, the other team gets a free kick. A penalty kick is given if the event happens in the penalty box. Referees also punish dangerous hits, handballs, and unsportsmanlike behavior. Players must follow fair play rules and treat their opponents carefully to avoid foul trouble.

8. Throw-ins for Out-of-Bounds Balls

When the ball goes out of play over the fence, the other team gets a throw-in. When you throw in the ball, you keep both feet on the ground and use both hands. You have to throw the ball from behind the head. A player can’t score right after a throw-in, and the other team has to stay at least two meters away until the throw-in is made.

9. Corner Kicks and Goal Kicks

If the ball crosses the goal line but doesn’t go in, the defensive team gets a goal kick. It was last touched by the attacking team. The goalie or defense takes the kick from six yards out. Once the defense touches it, it goes to the opposing team for a corner kick. Corner kicks come from the corner of the field, and players often use them to set up goals.

10. Yellow and Red Cards

The judges use yellow and red cards to punish players. A yellow card means a significant foul or bad behavior. A player gets a red card and has to leave the Game if they get two yellow cards. For nasty fouls, a player receives a straight red card and has to leave the Game immediately, leaving their team with one less player. If a team gets several red cards, they might have to give up the Game.

Extra Tips for Young Players

• Listen to what the judge says. If you disagree with a decision, you could be punished.
• Be a good sport. Shaking hands with your opponents after a game shows that you respect them.
• Learn the essential roles. Knowing what defenders, midfielders, and forwards are supposed to do makes it easier for everyone to work together.
• Get moving and enjoy yourself! You can have fun and learn new skills while playing football, not just win.

Final Thoughts

Football is an excellent sport for kids to learn how to work together, be disciplined, and be good sports. Young players can enjoy the Game while playing honestly and safely if they understand these basic rules. If you know the rules, everyone will enjoy the Game more, whether you’re playing for fun at the park or in a school challenge! Remember that you will get better at playing if you do it the more you do it!