Lesser-Known Soccer Rules That You May Want to Know

Most soccer rules are pretty straightforward…except for the offsides rule of course 😉

But, within the beautiful game lies some lesser-known rules that most parents do not realize.

Knowing and understanding these can make a big difference!

10 Overlooked Soccer Rules

1. No Offsides on a Goal Kick, Throw-In, or Corner Kick: A player cannot be offside if they receive the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner kick, even if they’re in an advanced position.
2. No Offside in Your Own Half: A player cannot be offside if they are in their own half of the field when the ball is played to them.
3. Six-Second Rule for Goalkeepers: Once a goalkeeper has control of the ball in their hands, they have six seconds to release it. If they exceed this time limit, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick.
4. Indirect Free Kick in the Penalty Area: If a player commits an indirect free kick offense, such as dangerous play or obstruction, inside their penalty area, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from the spot of the offense instead of a penalty kick.
5. Goalkeeper Handling Back Passes: A goalkeeper cannot use their hands to handle the ball if it has been intentionally kicked to them by their teammate. They can, however, use their hands if it’s a deflection or a header.
6. Corner Kick Flag Rule: It’s against the rules to remove the corner flag from its position. Players may not tamper with or remove the flag to take a corner kick or for any other reason. This can result in a yellow card.
7. Goal Kick Does Not Have to Leave the Penalty Area: The ball is now in play as soon as it is kicked and clearly moves on a goal kick, even if it does not leave the penalty area.
8. Throw-In Feet Position: Both feet must be on or behind the touchline when taking a throw-in.
9. Kicking the Ball Twice on a Free Kick or Penalty Kick: The player who takes a free kick or penalty kick cannot touch the ball again until another player has made contact. If they do, it usually results in an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the spot where the second touch occurred.
10. Dropped Ball for Unintentional Interference by the Referee: If the ball touches the referee and leads to a promising attack, a change of possession, or a goal, play is stopped, and a dropped ball is given to the team that last possessed it.

Go to the article ‘Soccer Rules & Regulations: The 17 Laws of the Game‘ to learn more about the rules of the game.