Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is governed by the Laws of the Game, which are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there were 17 laws or rules of football. Please note that there may have been updates or changes since then. Here are the fundamental rules as of my last update:
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1. The Field of Play: The field must be rectangular and marked with lines. It includes a goal at each end.
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2. The Ball: The ball must be spherical and made of suitable material.
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3. The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than 11 players, including a goalkeeper.
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4. The Players’ Equipment: Players must wear the basic equipment, including a jersey or shirt with sleeves, shorts, socks, shin guards, and footwear.
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5. The Referee: The referee has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game during a match.
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6. The Assistant Referees: Two assistant referees may be appointed to help the referee in controlling the match.
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7. The Duration of the Match: The match is played in two halves of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute halftime interval.
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8. The Start and Restart of Play: The match begins with a kick-off, and other restarts include throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks.
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9. The Ball In and Out of Play: The ball is in play throughout the match, except when it has crossed the goal line or touchline, or when the game has been stopped by the referee.
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10. Determining the Outcome of a Match: The team that scores more goals wins. If the scores are level, the match may end in a draw or go to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.
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11. Offside: A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to their opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them.
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12. Fouls and Misconduct: Fouls result in free kicks or penalty kicks, and players can be cautioned (yellow card) or sent off (red card) for misconduct.
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13. Free Kicks: Direct and indirect free kicks are awarded depending on the nature of the foul.
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14. The Penalty Kick: A penalty kick is awarded for a foul committed inside the penalty area.
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15. Throw-In: A throw-in is awarded when the ball goes out of play over the touchline.
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16. Goal Kick: A goal kick is awarded when the attacking team kicks the ball over the defending team’s goal line.
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17. Corner Kick: A corner kick is awarded when the defending team kicks the ball over their goal line.
These rules provide the basic framework for the game, and the referee ensures fair play by applying them during a match. Keep in mind that updates or changes to the Laws of the Game may have occurred since my last knowledge update.