Football at its most traditional form is played as an 11-a-side game, bringing together teams on a full-sized pitch to compete under specific regulations. In standard 11-a-side football rules, teams can name squads of up to 16 players (including 2 goalkeepers), though only 11 players from each team can be on the pitch at any given time. This format is the foundation of the beautiful game enjoyed at all levels from grassroots to professional competitions.
The rules of 11v11 football create both structure and flexibility, allowing for the sport's competitive and inclusive nature to flourish. Red cards result in automatic suspension for the following match, while substitutions enable managers to adjust tactics and provide opportunities for all squad members. These regulations help maintain fair play while fostering the famous camaraderie that makes grassroots football such a beloved community activity.
At amateur level, practical considerations such as referee arrangements are also important, with some leagues requiring each team to provide officials for half of the match. Understanding these rules thoroughly helps coaches and players alike to participate fully in what many outside the UK might call soccer, while enjoying all the benefits of team sport participation.
The Basics of the Game
Football at the 11-aside level follows specific rules that govern how the game is played, who can participate, and what equipment is required. Understanding these fundamentals is essential for anyone looking to play or coach the sport at this competitive level.
Objectives and Scoring
The primary objective in football is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. Each goal is worth one point, with the team scoring the most goals declared the winner.
If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals are scored, the match is drawn. In league play, points are typically awarded as three for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss.
Some competitions may require a definitive result, using extra time and penalty shootouts to determine a winner when scores are level after normal playing time.
Players and Positions
An 11v11 match features two teams with eleven players each on the pitch at any time. One player from each team must be designated as the goalkeeper, who is the only player permitted to handle the ball within their penalty area.
The remaining ten outfield players typically include:
- Defenders: Focus on preventing the opposition from scoring
- Midfielders: Link defence and attack, controlling play in the middle of the pitch
- Forwards: Primarily responsible for scoring goals
Substitutions allow teams to replace players during the match. Many leagues now permit rolling substitutions, where players can be substituted multiple times throughout the game.
A match cannot start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players.
Equipment and Pitch
The football pitch must be rectangular with dimensions within specific parameters:
- Length: 90-120 meters
- Width: 45-90 meters
The playing surface is typically grass, though artificial turf is permitted in many competitions provided it meets safety standards.
Essential equipment includes:
- Footballs: Size 5 for adults, fully inflated between 0.6-1.1 atmosphere
- Playing kit: Teams must wear distinguishable colours
- Goalpost and nets: 7.32m wide and 2.44m high
All players must wear shin guards covered by socks, appropriate footwear, and matching team kit. The goalkeeper wears colours that distinguish them from other players and match officials.
Players cannot wear anything deemed dangerous by the referee, including jewellery, hard casts, or items with sharp edges.
Rules and Regulations
The standard 11-a-side football game operates under specific regulations that govern match structure, gameplay, and officiating. Understanding these regulations is essential for players, coaches, and officials to ensure fair play and proper competition management.
Match Structure
A regulation 11v11 match consists of two halves of play with a break in between. Standard match duration is 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime interval. During halftime, teams must change ends.
For some leagues and tournaments, particularly at grassroots level, match times may be shortened. For example, some competitions play 35-minute halves with a 5-minute break.
A match requires a minimum number of players to begin or continue. Each team must pitch no more than eleven players, with one designated as goalkeeper. A match cannot start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players.
Teams must arrive at the venue and be ready to play at the scheduled kick-off time. Failure to do so may result in penalties or forfeiture.
In-Game Rules
The offside rule is fundamental to 11-a-side football. A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played to them.
Free kicks are awarded for fouls and misconduct. Direct free kicks allow scoring directly, while indirect free kicks must touch another player before entering the goal.
When the ball crosses the goal line (not in the goal) after last touching an attacking player, a goal kick is awarded. If last touched by a defender, a corner kick is awarded.
Penalty kicks are awarded when a team commits a direct free kick offence inside their own penalty area. The kick is taken from the penalty spot with only the goalkeeper defending.
Managing the Game
The referee has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game. They are assisted by two assistant referees who primarily help with offside decisions, goal kicks, corner kicks, and substitutions.
Each team is typically permitted three substitutions during a match, though some grassroots leagues allow rolling substitutions to ensure more playing time for all squad members.
Disciplinary sanctions include yellow cards (cautions) for minor offences and red cards (sending-off) for serious offences. A player receiving two yellow cards in the same match is shown a red card and must leave the pitch.
Referees manage playing time, including adding time for substitutions, injuries, and deliberate time-wasting. They signal the end of each half and have the final decision on all match-related matters.
Conduct and Safety
Player conduct during matches is governed by specific rules to ensure fair play and protect all participants. Safety regulations are equally important to prevent injuries and manage emergency situations effectively.
Fouls and Misconduct
Fouls in 11-a-side football can be categorized as direct or indirect offences. Direct free kicks are awarded for more serious infractions such as kicking, tripping, or pushing an opponent. These can become penalty kicks if committed inside the offender's penalty area.
Indirect free kicks result from less severe violations like dangerous play or impeding an opponent without contact. It's important to note that free kicks and penalties can only be awarded when the ball is in play.
Slide tackles are permitted but must be executed cleanly. A player who makes contact with the opponent before the ball risks being penalised and potentially receiving a card.
The referee may issue yellow cards (cautions) for unsporting behaviour, dissent, or persistent infringement. Red cards result in dismissal for serious foul play, violent conduct, or denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Player Safety
Every 11v11 match should have basic safety measures in place. Teams must ensure a first aider is present with appropriate medical supplies to handle minor injuries during play.
Proper equipment is mandatory for all players. Shin guards must be worn and covered by socks, while dangerous items such as jewellery should be removed before play commences.
In case of head injuries, players should be removed from play immediately for assessment. The decision to return to play should be made by a qualified adult member of staff, not the injured player.
Weather conditions must be considered for player safety. Matches should be suspended during lightning storms, and additional water breaks may be necessary during hot weather to prevent dehydration.
Emergency procedures should be established before matches, including access points for ambulances and clear communication protocols. In grassroots soccer, the home team is typically responsible for ensuring these safety measures are in place.
Competitive Play
Competitive 11-a-side football thrives in structured environments where teams can test their skills against others in meaningful matches. League systems and proper result reporting form the backbone of organised competition, ensuring fair play and accurate stats throughout a season.
League Systems
League competitions typically group teams of similar ability to create balanced, competitive fixtures. Most grassroots leagues in the UK operate on a points-based system, awarding three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. Tables track team stats based on points accumulated, with goal difference often used as the first tiebreaker when points are equal.
Some leagues implement promotion and relegation mechanics, allowing successful teams to move up divisions while struggling sides move down. This maintains competitive balance across multiple seasons. Cup competitions frequently run alongside league fixtures, offering knockout formats that can create exciting encounters between teams from different divisions.
Many youth leagues emphasise competitive but not antagonistic environments, focusing on player development alongside results. Playoffs might determine championship winners in certain formats, especially at season's end.
Match Reporting
Accurate and timely reporting of results is essential for maintaining league integrity. Match officials typically bear primary responsibility for submitting official scorelines and disciplinary information following each fixture.
Team organisers must verify match details, including goalscorers, substitutions, and any incidents requiring league attention. Most modern leagues utilise online systems where designated club officials can input or confirm results within specified timeframes—often 24-48 hours after matches conclude.
The league coordinator reviews submitted reports, addressing any discrepancies between teams' accounts. This process ensures the league table remains accurate and up-to-date throughout the soccer season.
Many leagues also require additional information beyond the basic scoreline, such as player ratings, fair play scores, or referee assessments. These contribute to season-long awards and help maintain standards across the 11v11 game.
