The Football Field and Equipment

Football is played on a rectangular field with specific dimensions and markings that are essential for gameplay. The standard football pitch measures between 100-130 meters (110-140 yards) in length and 50-100 meters (50-100 yards) in width for international matches. The field features several important markings:

  • The center circle with a 9.15m radius where kickoff takes place
  • Two penalty areas (one at each end)
  • Goal areas inside each penalty area
  • Corner arcs in each corner of the field
  • Goal posts that are 7.32 meters (8 yards) wide and 2.44 meters (8 feet) high

The ball itself must be spherical with a circumference between 68-70cm and weight between 410-450 grams at the start of the match. Players wear specific equipment including shirts, shorts, socks, shin guards, and appropriate footwear. The goalkeeper wears colors distinguishing them from other players and officials.

Understanding the field layout helps players position themselves correctly during play and helps spectators understand the various rules that apply in different areas of the pitch. For instance, handling the ball inside your own penalty area as a defender results in a penalty kick for the opposing team.

Basic Rules and Gameplay

A standard football match consists of two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime break. The game begins with a kickoff from the center circle, and teams switch sides after halftime. The основни футболни правила (basic football rules) are straightforward: players may use any part of their body except hands and arms to control and move the ball, with the goalkeeper being the exception within their penalty area.

The objective is simple: 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. After a goal is scored, play restarts with a kickoff by the team that conceded.

When the ball goes out of play, various restarts occur:

  • Throw-in: When the ball crosses the touchline
  • Goal kick: When the attacking team sends the ball over the goal line
  • Corner kick: When the defending team sends the ball over their own goal line

The offside rule is often the most misunderstood aspect of как се играе футбол (how football is played). 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. However, being in an offside position is not an offense in itself; the player must be involved in active play by interfering with play, an opponent, or gaining advantage.

Fouls and Misconduct

The правила на футбола (rules of football) include clear guidelines about fouls and misconduct. Fouls are actions deemed by the referee to be illegal and result in free kicks or penalty kicks depending on where they occur. Direct free kick offenses include:

  • Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent
  • Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent
  • Jumping at, charging, striking, or pushing an opponent
  • Holding an opponent
  • Handling the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper in their penalty area)

Indirect free kick offenses include playing in a dangerous manner, impeding an opponent without contact, and preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball. When these fouls happen inside the penalty area, they may result in penalty kicks.

The referee may also issue disciplinary sanctions: yellow cards (cautions) and red cards (sending-offs). Yellow cards are given for unsporting behavior, dissent, persistent infringement, delaying the restart of play, failing to respect the required distance during set pieces, and entering/leaving the field without permission. Two yellow cards in the same match result in a red card.

Red cards are issued for serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, using offensive language, and receiving a second caution. Правила на футбола за начинаещи (football rules for beginners) emphasize fair play and respect for opponents and officials.

Referee Authority and Game Officials

According to официални правила на футбола (official football rules), match officials have complete authority to enforce the Laws of the Game. A standard officiating team consists of:

  • The referee (main official on the field)
  • Two assistant referees (running the sidelines)
  • Fourth official (handles substitutions and administrative duties)
  • In professional matches: Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Assistant VAR

The referee makes the final decisions on all matters related to play. They control the match, enforce the rules, act as timekeeper, keep records of the match, ensure player equipment meets requirements, and stop play for injuries or other reasons. The referee signals decisions using a whistle and specific hand gestures to communicate with players and spectators.

Assistant referees help the main referee by signaling when the ball leaves play, which team gets the throw-in, goal kick or corner, when a player is in an offside position, and when substitutions are requested. They use flags to communicate these decisions.

The introduction of VAR in professional football has added another layer to officiating. The VAR team reviews decisions related to goals, penalty decisions, direct red card incidents, and mistaken identity cases. The футболни правила обяснени (football rules explained) now include protocols for how and when VAR can intervene in matches.

Special Situations and Recent Rule Changes

Football rules evolve over time to improve the game. Recent changes to футболни регулации (football regulations) include modifications to handball interpretations, goal kick procedures, and substitution protocols.

The handball rule has been clarified to distinguish between deliberate and accidental contact. Now, if a player's arm is in an unnatural position and the ball makes contact, it's typically considered a handball offense regardless of intent. However, if the arm is close to the body in a natural position, accidental contact is usually not penalized.

Goal kicks no longer require the ball to leave the penalty area before being played. Teammates can receive the ball inside the penalty area, allowing for more constructive buildup play from the back. This change has significantly altered defensive and offensive strategies.

Substitution procedures have been streamlined to reduce time-wasting. Players must now leave the field at the nearest boundary line rather than always walking to the halfway line. Additionally, many leagues have increased the number of allowed substitutions, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The правила на футбола в България (football rules in Bulgaria) follow international standards set by FIFA and UEFA, with minor adjustments for domestic competitions. Understanding these special situations and recent changes helps players adapt their gameplay and fans appreciate the strategic elements of modern football.

The наръчник с футболни правила (handbook of football rules) continues to evolve, with the International Football Association Board (IFAB) reviewing and updating rules annually to improve the flow, fairness, and safety of the beautiful game.