GENERAL INFORMATION
Gallatin Soccer Club follows the FIFA/IFAB Laws of the Game with age appropriate modifications. Links to the FIFA/IFAB Laws of the Game as well as local modifications are provided below. For more specific information about our programs use the main navigation menu to visit those pages.
new to the beautiful game?
Don’t worry we’ve got you covered, with a guide to the game... for all to understand. We’re so glad your soccer journey begins here at GSC.
If you have questions during practice or game day, grab a club official and ask for help. We want to make you love the game just as much as we do!
Introduction
Soccer is a game played by two teams with 11 players each (at U15 and up) *See our rules summary for formats with reduced team sizes based on age. It’s the most popular team sport on the planet, a fast-paced game with few breaks and one simple aim — to score a goal.
On some continents, the game is called football; on others, it’s called soccer. Other names for the sport include: footy, fútbol, calcio, futebol, voetbol, le foot, foci, sakka, and bong da.
Everywhere, however, soccer, is commonly known as the beautiful game!
What a soccer field looks like
A regulation size soccer field (sometimes referred to as “the pitch”) is at least 100 yards long, 50 yards wide, and has a goal centered at both ends. Within the field are markings, including those for the penalty area and spot, the center spot for kick-offs, and, of course, the corners — without which corner kicks would just be kicks.
The field of play is divided into two halves by the halfway line, which joins the middle of both touchlines. In the middle of this halfway line is the center mark, commonly referred to as the center spot. Around it is marked a circle with a 10-yard radius.
The field can be constructed of grass, or it can be composed of manmade materials, such as FieldTurf. The color of any artificial surface must always be green. The following figure shows the correct layout for a regulation soccer field:
The following figure shows the correct layout for a regulation soccer field. Younger players use a modified version of this field. See the chart towards the bottom of the page below to compare rules & details based on age.
FIELD LAYOUT
Let’s take a look at just one example of a traditional system and formation of a full 11 person team. Often the Goalkeeper is not always listed in the formation due to the obvious fact teams always play one! in this case you could see it listed simply as 4-3-3. The dutch national team once made this formation famous in the 1970’s when they deployed a style of play labeled “Total Football” Think about what other formations may look like such as a 4-4-2 or a 3-4-3. There are many formations that can be used in the game at all levels and ages.
With expanding roster sizes in today’s game the traditional numbers once used to define positions are not always evident but you will sometimes still hear coaches, players and fans talking in numbers such as…
“Our number 9 played great today, they were forward and always in the right place at the right time to score”
or “wow did you see the number 11 and 7 flying down the left and right wings all game today"?’
“Listen up…I need you to be very strong today if you are going to play in that number 5 spot”
No matter what changes in the game, somethings remain timeless!
Lets talk more about positions!
Positions on a soccer team
Each soccer team has 11 players — one goalkeeper and ten field players. Every player, whether playing an offensive or defensive position, works to help the team score goals — and to prevent the other team from scoring. The following list explains the role of each general position on the field:
Goalkeeper: The keeper is the only player allowed to use their hands, and that activity is restricted to the rectangular penalty area extending 18 yards from each side of the goal.
Defenders: They play in front of the goalkeeper, and their primary duty is to stop the opposition from scoring. Outside fullbacks play on the left and right flanks and rarely move from their sides of the field. Central defenders play in the middle of the field and usually cover the opposition’s leading goal scorer or center forward(s).
Midfielders: These players are the link between the defense and attack. Midfielders must be the most physically fit players on the field because they are expected to run the most in a game. They should be able to penetrate deep in enemy territory on attack and make the transition to defense when the opposition retains possession of the ball.
Forwards: Their primary job is to score goals or to create them for teammates. A center forward, also known as a striker, should be a team’s leading goal scorer and the most dangerous player in the attacking third of the field.
What is the offside rule in soccer?
The offside rule is the most debated soccer principle (no matter where the game is played), even though what is known as Law 11 isn’t terribly difficult to grasp. Here’s what offside is all about:
A player is caught offside if they’re nearer to the opponent’s goal than both the ball and the second-last opponent (including the goalkeeper) when their teammate plays the ball to them. In other words, a player can’t receive the ball from a teammate unless there are at least two other players either level with that player or between that player and the goal; or unless their teammate plays the ball backwards to them.
It’s not an offense in itself to be offside. A player is only penalized for being offside if they are deemed to be involved in active play. So, a player can only be called offside if they are:
In the opposition’s half
Interfering with play (that is, they’re part of the attacking move)
Interfering with an opponent (that is, they’re preventing the opponent from defending against the attacking move)
Gaining any advantage by being in that position
A player can’t be offside from a goal kick, throw in, or corner.
THE OFFSIDE RULE
(CLICK IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION)
For a deeper understanding please consider some of the materials below. Remember, the game evolves and changes based on the level of play, age and format. One thing remains the same. This should be fun, Soccer is entertainment and we believe in the transformative power of our sport. It can bring communities around the world together be the bridge between cultures and differences in the human experience.
Gallatin Soccer Club thanks you for taking the time to learn about the game that’s why one of our mottos is simply.. “For the Good In the Game” because we truly believe that it’s our players, families and friends that makes it all worthwhile!
IFAB LAws of the game Manual
Visit the U.S Soccer resource RECOGNIZETORECOVER.ORG for a comprehensive selection of documents, case studies and courses on a range of topics from mental health, nutrition & hydration, to injury prevention & much more.