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Football Rules – The Fun and Friendly Version!

Football is the world’s favourite game—and once you know the basics, you’re ready to play, watch, and enjoy it even more!


Here are the need-to-know rules explained in a way that’s easy to remember and fun to read.





1. The Aim of the Game



Kick the ball into the other team’s goal = GOAL for your team!

Stop the ball going into your goal = Good defending!


Whoever scores the most goals by the end of the game wins!




2. Two Teams, One Ball



Each team has 11 players on the pitch, including 1 goalkeeper.

But don’t worry—if you’re playing 5-a-side, 7-a-side, or 9-a-side, the same idea still works!


Only goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands—and only in their own box!




3. Kick It, Pass It, Don’t Grab It!



You can use:


  • Feet

  • Legs

  • Head

  • Chest



You can’t use:


  • Hands or arms (unless you’re the goalie)

  • Pushing, pulling, or tripping others



Be fair, be friendly, and play safe.




4. Keep the Ball In!



The ball is in play until it:


  • Crosses the sideline (throw-in!)

  • Crosses the goal line (goal kick or corner!)

  • Or the referee blows the whistle



Keep it rolling, keep it fun!




5. No Fouls, No Fuss



Fouls are things like:


  • Kicking someone (on purpose!)

  • Pushing or pulling shirts

  • Sliding dangerously

  • Using bad language



If you foul, the other team gets a free kick (or a penalty if it happens near the goal!).


Be cool, play clean!




6. What’s Offside? (The Tricky One!)



Offside means:

You’re too close to the goal when your teammate passes the ball—closer than the last defender, with no one between you and the goalkeeper.


Don’t worry, even grown-ups get confused by offside! Just try to stay level with defenders when you make a run.




7. Let’s Talk Restarts



  • Throw-in – When the ball goes out on the sideline, the other team gets to throw it back in (with both hands, from behind the head!).

  • Goal kick – If your team kicks the ball over the other team’s goal line, they get a kick from their goal area.

  • Corner kick – If your team blocks the ball over your own goal line, the other team gets a corner!





8. The Ref’s the Boss



The referee is there to keep things fair and safe. They:


  • Blow the whistle to start and stop

  • Call fouls

  • Give free kicks, penalties, and cards if needed



Respect the ref—even if you don’t agree. They’re part of the game too.




9. Cards Are Not Collectibles



  • Yellow card = A warning. Chill out!

  • Red card = You’re out of the game. Don’t let it happen!



Stay respectful and you’ll stay on the pitch.




10. Most of All… HAVE FUN!



Football is all about:


  • Teamwork

  • Trying your best

  • Respect

  • Smiling, even if you don’t win



Because if you’re learning, laughing, and giving it your all—you’re winning already.



Want to practice your knowledge?

Ask your coach if you can play a mini “Referee Challenge” quiz at your next session!

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