The Court as a Canvas in a Field for Magic and Strategy
At ADIRI, we understand that the passion for athletic performance manifests itself in countless ways, and football is undoubtedly the perfect canvas for athletic and strategic expression. This sport, universally known as “the most beautiful game,” is much more than kicking a ball. It is meticulously structured by a set of rules that ensure its fluidity, fairness, and, above all, its unparalleled excitement. For high-performance footballers and die-hard fans, mastering these rules is as crucial as perfecting a precise dribble or pass.
The Laws of the Game, curated and updated by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), are the backbone that supports every match, from a casual game in the park to the FIFA World Cup final. These rules have evolved over centuries, transforming what were once chaotic encounters into a coordinated 22-player ballet. At ADIRI, our sports product designers create soccer apparel and accessories that allow athletes to move freely, confident that their sports equipment meets the precision required by each standard.
The Stage and Its Protagonists: Players, Ball, and Dimensions
The soccer field is a rectangle between 90 and 120 meters long by 45 to 90 meters wide, although the standard dimensions for professional matches are typically 105 x 68 meters. Each half of the field features a goal, 7.32 meters wide by 2.44 meters high, the primary objective of each team. The presence of goal areas and penalty areas adds layers of defensive and offensive strategy.
Each team is composed of eleven players: ten outfield players and one goalkeeper (goalkeeper or goalkeeper). The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use their hands to control the soccer ball inside their own penalty area, a key distinction that requires goalkeeper gloves and specialized protective equipment. The rest of the players may only use their feet, head, or torso to propel the ball. Substitutions are limited and are made during stoppages in play.
The soccer ball is spherical, with a specific circumference and weight, designed to be durable and predictable in its trajectory. Its size and material are critical for control, passing, and shooting, and the choice of an official ball is essential in professional soccer competitions.
The Flow of the Game: Kickoff, Duration, and the Search for a Goal
A soccer match is divided into two 45-minute halves, with a 15-minute break in between. Added time or “stoppage time” at the end of each half compensates for interruptions due to injuries, substitutions, or goal celebrations. If a match requires a winner in knockout rounds, there may be extra time (two 15-minute extra periods) and, if the score remains tied, a penalty shootout.
The game begins with a kickoff from the center of the field. The primary objective is to score a goal by placing the ball completely in the opponent’s goal. The team that scores the most goals wins the match. If both teams have the same number of goals at the end of regulation time, the match is considered a draw, unless it is a competition requiring a winner.
Offside is one of the most debated and complex rules in football. A player is in an offside position if they are closer to the opponent’s goal line than the ball and the second-to-last opponent (including the goalkeeper) when a teammate passes the ball to them. It is not an infraction in itself, but is penalized if the player interferes with play, takes advantage of the ball, or attempts to play the ball. Its interpretation is crucial for offensive strategy and defensive discipline.
To maintain discipline and sportsmanship, referees use yellow cards (warnings) and red cards (expulsions). Two yellow cards or a direct red card result in the player’s expulsion, who cannot be substituted, leaving his team with one less player.
A direct free kick is awarded for more serious fouls, allowing the player to kick the ball directly into the goal. If this foul is committed inside the penalty area, it is sanctioned with a penalty: a shot at goal from the penalty mark (11 meters), defended only by the goalkeeper. Indirect free kicks are awarded for minor fouls, and the ball must be touched by another player before it can enter the goal. Throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks are other ways to restart play after the ball has gone out of bounds or over the touchlines.
The Referee and Technology: Fairness on the Field
The main referee is the highest authority on the field, assisted by two assistant referees (linesmen) and a fourth official. In high-level competitions, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology has been implemented to review key decisions, such as goals, penalties, straight red cards, and miscues, seeking greater fairness in the game. VAR in football has sparked debate, but its goal is to minimize crucial errors.
The referee’s presence ensures the application of the rules, from overseeing team lineups to time management and discipline. Their impartiality and knowledge of the laws of football are essential to the integrity of each match.
ADIRI Preparing the Athlete to Master the Rules
At ADIRI, our dedication to high-performance football is intrinsically linked to respect for the rules that make it so special. We understand that every rule, from offside to red cards, is part of the strategy and discipline that elite footballers must master.
That’s why we design football kits that not only offer comfort and style, but also optimize breathability, freedom of movement, and the muscle support necessary for 90 minutes of play. Our football compression garments are designed to improve recovery and reduce fatigue, allowing athletes to execute every rule and every movement with maximum efficiency. At ADIRI, we equip players to not just play football, but to master it, transforming respect for the rules into a driving force for achieving greatness.