As a parent who didn’t grow up playing soccer, I had to learn the rules on the go as I started coaching and watching my son play. Soccer moves quickly, and it can be tough to keep up with all the rules. I’ll never forget the time I asked the coach if a player was offside—despite being in their own half! That was when I realized I really needed to pay attention and get familiar with the game.
Even after years of coaching, I still find myself puzzled from time to time—just recently, I got mixed up between direct and indirect free kicks! It’s a good reminder that we’re all constantly learning, and that’s why I’m sharing a simple guide to help parents, coaches, and anyone who might feel a little lost when it comes to soccer fouls.
1. Offside Rule Explained
The offside rule often confuses new soccer watchers. Simply put, a player is offside if, at the moment the ball is passed to them, they are closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender. The key takeaway is that players can’t just wait near the opponent’s goal for a pass, no matter how tempting it seems.
When my son was younger, that was actually his go-to tactic!
2. Fouls Involving the Ball
Here are the common fouls involving the ball:
Tripping: If a player trips or attempts to trip an opponent, it’s a foul. This is one of the most frequent fouls in youth soccer.
Holding: Grabbing an opponent, even a little, is considered holding. It’s often called during youth games.
Pushing: If a player shoves another, that’s a foul as well.
3. Handball
Handball is another foul that’s fairly straightforward but can be tricky in some situations. If a player deliberately uses their hand or arm to play the ball, it’s a foul. For younger players, it’s tough to avoid handling the ball, especially when trying to control a loose ball in the air. Intent is key here—if it’s intentional, it’s a foul.
However, unintentional handballs are more complicated. For example, if a player’s arm is in an unnatural position and they accidentally touch the ball, a foul might still be called, especially if it leads to an advantage for the player. But if the ball just hits their arm or hand naturally, no foul may be called.
In the penalty box, handballs are even more significant. A deliberate handball results in a penalty kick for the opposing team. If the handball is unintentional but occurs in the penalty area, the referee will consider whether the player’s arm was in an unnatural position and if they had any chance to avoid it. A handball in the box can have a huge impact on the game.
4. Dangerous Play
Dangerous play occurs when a player raises their foot too high or makes a reckless challenge. This usually happens when kids are still learning how to control their movements. High kicks and reckless challenges are dangerous and often called fouls.
5. Goalkeeper Fouls
Goalkeepers are subject to specific fouls too. One common mistake is when a goalkeeper picks up a back-pass from a teammate. If this happens, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick.
Additionally, goalkeepers can’t hold the ball for more than six seconds. Despite their often heroic status, goalkeepers must follow the same rules as everyone else.
6. Rules for Parents and Spectators
Youth soccer also has rules for parents and spectators to ensure the game remains enjoyable and fair. Parents typically have designated areas along the sideline to watch the game. They are not allowed to sit behind the goals to avoid distractions and interference with play. Spectator areas help keep things organized and allow everyone to enjoy the game from a safe distance.
It’s also important for parents to follow good sportsmanship etiquette—refraining from coaching from the sidelines and criticizing referees. These actions can distract the players and disrupt the flow of the game.
7. Common Misunderstandings About Soccer Rules
As a parent, it’s easy to get confused about certain situations. Here are a few common rules that often cause confusion:
“All Ball” Doesn’t Mean No Foul: Many people think that if a player wins the ball cleanly, there can’t be a foul. However, if the tackle is too reckless or makes contact with the opponent’s body first, it’s still a foul, even if the ball was played cleanly.
Tackles from Behind: A tackle from behind is often penalized, even if the player wins the ball. This rule is in place to prevent injuries, as a tackle from behind can be dangerous, even if the ball is won.
Direct vs. Indirect Free Kicks: A direct free kick allows a player to take a shot on goal directly. In contrast, an indirect free kick requires the ball to touch another player before a goal can be scored. A goalkeeper picking up a back-pass or holding the ball too long results in an indirect free kick, even though it’s still a foul.
“No Advantage” Doesn’t Always Mean a Foul: Referees sometimes allow play to continue even after a foul if the team is still in possession or has a chance to score. This is called “playing the advantage.” It can be frustrating when you think a foul should’ve been called, but the referee is letting the game flow.
Keeping Things in Perspective
At the end of the day, soccer is just a game. While it’s easy to get frustrated or excited, we must remember that referees are human too and mistakes can happen. The most important thing is to respect the game, the referees, and especially the kids. So, let’s enjoy the game, cheer on our players, and maintain good sportsmanship on and off the field.
