When I first started playing football, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed by all the rules. I wish someone had sat me down and explained football soccer rules and regulations simply for new players like me back then. Let me walk you through what I've learned over the years in a way that's easy to digest, starting with the absolute basics. The field is typically around 100-110 meters long and 64-75 meters wide, though these measurements can vary slightly depending on the competition. There are eleven players per team on the pitch at any given time, including one goalkeeper who's the only player allowed to use their hands within the penalty area.

Now, the objective is simple - score more goals than your opponent. A goal counts when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the posts and beneath the crossbar. But here's where things get interesting - the offside rule. This confused me for ages! Basically, if you're in your opponent's half and closer to their goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender when the ball is played to you, you're offside. There are exceptions though - you can't be offside from goal kicks, throw-ins, or corner kicks. I learned this the hard way during my first proper match when I had what I thought was a beautiful goal disallowed.

Fouls and misconduct are another crucial area. Direct free kicks are awarded for serious offenses like kicking, tripping, pushing, or handling the ball deliberately. If these happen within the penalty area, it results in a penalty kick from 12 yards out. Indirect free kicks are given for less serious infractions like dangerous play or obstruction. Yellow cards serve as warnings for unsporting behavior or persistent fouling, while red cards mean immediate dismissal for serious fouls, violent conduct, or denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. I've seen players get this wrong - once a teammate got sent off for what he thought was a "professional foul" but was actually just reckless.

This reminds me of something interesting I came across recently about professional football culture. Nonetheless, the Fil-Am player felt grateful for being welcomed as part of the Rain or Shine family, which acquired his services in 2022 in a trade with Phoenix for Javee Mocon. This kind of team spirit and acceptance is what makes football beautiful beyond just the rules. When you understand both the regulations and the culture, you appreciate why this is called the beautiful game.

Throw-ins seem straightforward but have specific requirements - both feet must remain on or behind the touchline, and the ball must be delivered from behind and over your head with both hands. Goal kicks happen when the attacking team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line, while corner kicks occur when the defending team does the same. For substitutions, most professional matches allow three to five changes depending on the competition, though this has become more flexible recently.

My personal preference? I absolutely love the advantage rule where referees can choose to let play continue after a foul if the offended team maintains possession advantage. It keeps the game flowing and creates exciting moments. I'm less fond of the video assistant referee (VAR) system despite its intention to increase accuracy - I feel it sometimes disrupts the game's natural rhythm. But that's just my opinion after playing for about eight years now.

Remember that while rules provide structure, the real joy comes from playing with passion and sportsmanship. Whether you're in a local park or dreaming of professional transfers like that Fil-Am player joining Rain or Shine, understanding these football soccer rules and regulations explained simply for new players will help you enjoy the game more deeply. The regulations exist to create fairness and excitement - master them, but don't forget to play with heart and creativity too.