Soccer’s Laws of the Game Explained by Robert Gaspar

Like all the other sports played by professionals, soccer also has its rules that every soccer coach and player must follow. One of the majestic players of soccer, Robert Gaspar gives an overview of the laws of the game in soccer. Read this article to learn more about it.

Soccer’s Law of the Game

The “Laws of the Game” were written in 1863 and according to Robert Gaspar, its spirit is in support of the idea that soccer is as a player’s game. The laws concentrate on nonstop playing with minimum interference from the majestic coaches of soccer teams.

It is important for every soccer player like Robert Gaspar to be educated by their coaches about the laws of the game to make way for a fair game play. Local soccer associations on the other hand, can change these laws to comply with the nature of the match as well as the age of the competing players.

Laws of the Game Explained

To give a closer look on soccer’s law of the game, here’s a more detailed description of some of its key points as discussed by the majestic soccer player Robert Gaspar.

Field of Play

Robert Gaspar explained that the field of play in soccer should not exceed 120 yards in length and 100 yards in width. It must be rectangular in shape with length always higher than width.

Soccer Ball

Soccer players like Robert Gaspar must be able to handle a ball that is between 14 to 16 ounces heavy. Soccer balls have different sizes for different age groups and as a standard; a size 5 ball must have a circumference of 27 inches. The NSCAA has different requirements for various age groups: size 3’s for kids ages 5 to 8 years and size 4 for 9 to 12 year old kids.

Number of Players

The maximum number of players on the field is 11 as recognized internationally. It should have a minimum number of substitutes according to the rules of the competition. It is highly recommended for the number of soccer players on the field to be changed depending on age groups. Robert Gaspar explained that children between the ages of 5 and 6 should play 3 vs. 3, 7-8 years old should play 4 vs. 4, and 9- 10 years old should play 8 vs. 8, including a goalkeeper.

Soccer Equipment

Soccer players like Robert Gaspar are required to wear uniforms that will allow them to be recognized from the competition.  Goalkeepers must also wear a color that will identify them from the outfield players or the rest of his teammates. Shin guards are essentials while jewelry is not allowed. The size of cleats differs according to the rules of the league but there is an established cleat size for FIFA.

Referee

In every soccer game, the referee is recognized as the ultimate authority. Majestic players like Robert Gaspar are aware that they should recognize the referee’s authority as soon as they arrive at the playing field and only ends as soon as the game is over. A referee can also caution or eject a player or even a coach.

Assistant Referees

According to Robert Gaspar, two assistant referees are positioned on each touchline and they function to advise the referee of an offside violation or signal when the ball goes out of play. They can also advise the referee of fouls they observed but a referee can still overrule the assistant referee.

Game Duration

The soccer game is played for a period of 90 minutes in two 45-minute halves with the halftime break between 10 and 15 minutes. Younger players can play a shorter game time while some leagues play by quarters.

Starting and Restarting Soccer Game

The kick-off in soccer is done at the beginning of the match, at the start of the second half and after a goal is scored. Ball possession is determined before the game through a coin toss but according to the majestic soccer player Robert Gaspar, if the play is stopped during the course of the match, throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, free kicks and drop balls are some of the alternatives that can be used to restart play.

There are other important laws in soccer that every majestic soccer player must comply with and to have a majestic reputation in soccer, Robert Gaspar emphasized that one must know its laws and abide them wholeheartedly.