Field of Play.  The game can be played on either natural or artificial surfaces, the surface must be green and rectangular in shape
Ball.  Must be spherical, made of leather (or similar) 68-70 cm in circumference and of a certain pressure.   

Number of Players.  Two teams of no more than 11 players (one of which is the goalkeeper).  A game cannot start if either team has less than 7 players.

Equipment.  Players must wear a jersey, shorts, stockings, shinguards and footwear.  

Referee.  The referee ensures the Laws of the Game are respected and upheld.

Assistant Referees.  There may be at most 2 assistant referees.

Duration of the Match.  The game is played in 2 halves consisting of 45 minutes each.  The half time interval must not exceed more than 15 minutes.

Start and Restart of Play.  A kick-off starts play at the start of the match or after a goal.  A kick-off involves one player kicking the ball, from stationary, forward from the centre spot.  All players must be in their own half prior to kick-off.


Ball in and Out of Play.  The ball is out of play once a goal has been scored or when the referee has stopped the game.  The ball is in play at all other times.

Method of Scoring.  The ball crosses the goal line inside the goal mouth.

Offside.  It is an offence for a player to be in contact with the ball when they are closer to the opponents' goal than both the ball and the second-last opponent.   The offside rule exists to ensure there are always opponents (generally the goal keeper and a defender)  between a player receiving the ball and the goal.