Ruleside

All rules

Every football rule explained in plain language with real scenarios. Based on IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27.

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20 rules covered
foulsLaw 5

Advantage Rule

The referee can allow play to continue after a foul if stopping play would disadvantage the team that was fouled. The referee signals advantage by extending both arms forward.

restartsLaw 17

Corner Kick

A corner kick is awarded when the ball fully crosses the goal line, having last been touched by a defending player. The kick is taken from the corner arc nearest to where the ball went out.

foulsLaw 12

Dangerous Play

Dangerous play is an action that creates a risk of injury to any player, including the player themselves, even if there is no physical contact. It results in an indirect free kick.

restartsLaw 8

Drop Ball

A drop ball restarts play after a stoppage not covered by other restart rules — such as an injury or a ball hitting the referee. Since 2019, drop balls go directly to the goalkeeper or the team that last had possession.

restartsLaw 10

Extra Time & Penalty Shootout

If a match is level after 90 minutes in a knockout competition, extra time of two 15-minute halves is played. If still level, a penalty shootout decides the winner.

restartsLaw 13

Free Kick & Defensive Wall

For a direct or indirect free kick, opponents must be at least 10 yards from the ball. A defensive wall with three or more players must have all attacking players stay out of it until the ball is in play.

restartsLaw 16

Goal Kick

A goal kick is awarded when the ball fully crosses the goal line last touched by an attacking player. The ball can be played from anywhere in the goal area and opponents must be outside the penalty area.

goalkeepingLaw 12

Goalkeeper Handling Rules

A goalkeeper cannot handle the ball with their hands if it was deliberately kicked to them by a teammate, or if they receive it directly from a teammate's throw-in.

handballLaw 12

Handball

Not every ball that hits a hand is handball. The hand must be in an unnatural position and the player must have made a deliberate choice to put it there — or it must have directly led to a goal.

foulsLaw 12

Obstruction (Impeding)

A player cannot use their body to block an opponent from reaching the ball when not within playing distance. This is called impeding and results in an indirect free kick.

offsideLaw 11

Offside — Interfering with Play

Being in an offside position is not an offence by itself. A player is only penalised if they are involved in active play by touching the ball, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage.

offsideLaw 11

Returning from Offside Position

A player who was in an offside position can become onside by moving back behind the offside line before the ball is played to them.

offsideLaw 11

Offside

A player is offside if any part of their body that can score a goal is closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender at the moment the ball is played.

restartsLaw 14

Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded when a direct free kick offence is committed by a defending player inside their own penalty area. The kick is taken from the penalty spot with only the goalkeeper to beat.

cardsLaw 12

Red Card & Serious Foul Play

A red card is shown for serious foul play, violent conduct, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, or using offensive language. The player is sent off and cannot be replaced.

foulsLaw 12

Simulation (Diving)

Simulation is when a player deliberately falls, feigns injury, or exaggerates contact to deceive the referee. It is punishable by a yellow card — and VAR can recommend a booking even after play has continued.

restartsLaw 3

Substitutions

Teams can make up to five substitutions per match in most competitions. A substituted player cannot return to the pitch. The substitute only enters after the replaced player has left.

restartsLaw 15

Throw-in

A throw-in must be taken with both hands from behind and over the head, with both feet on or behind the touchline. An incorrect throw-in gives possession to the opposing team.

varLaw 1 (IFAB Protocol)

VAR (Video Assistant Referee)

VAR can only intervene for clear and obvious errors in four specific categories: goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity. It does not review every decision.

cardsLaw 12

Yellow Card & Cautions

A yellow card is shown for unsporting behaviour, persistent infringement, dissent, delaying restarts, and several other offences. Two yellows in the same match equals a red.