Soccer Rules Quiz: 20 Questions to Test Your Knowledge

How long is a standard professional soccer match (excluding extra time)?

• 45 minutes
• 60 minutes
• 90 minutes
• 120 minutes

How many players does each team field in a standard soccer match?

• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12

Which restart occurs if the ball crosses the touchline?

• Corner kick
• Goal kick
• Drop ball
• Throw‑in

From which restart can a goal be scored directly without another player touching the ball?

• Indirect free‑kick
• Throw‑in
• Kick‑off

What is awarded to the defending team if an attacking player is the last to touch the ball before it crosses their goal line without scoring?

• Corner kick
• Goal kick
• Throw‑in
• Penalty kick

A goal may be scored directly from an indirect free‑kick.

• True
• False

Which restart is used after a defender last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line (and no goal is scored)?

• Goal kick
• Throw‑in
• Indirect free‑kick
• Corner kick

How long may the goalkeeper hold the ball with their hands?

• 4 seconds
• 6 seconds
• 8 seconds
• No limit

What defines being in an offside position?

• Ahead of both the ball and second-last opponent in opponents' half
• Closer to own goal line than the ball
• In your own half
• Behind the ball and two opponents

The goalkeeper may pick up a throw‑in from a teammate inside their penalty area.

• True
• False

What is the minimum number of players a team must have on the field for a match to continue?

• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9

If the thrower touches the ball a second time before another player does, an indirect free‑kick is awarded.

• True
• False

What happens if the ball touches the referee and leads directly to a goal?

• A throw-in is given
• Play is stopped and a dropped ball is awarded
• A goal kick is given
• The goal counts

What color card does a referee show to send a player off the field for serious misconduct?

• Yellow
• Green
• Blue
• Red

Which action results in a yellow card being shown by the referee?

• Scoring a goal
• Winning a header
• Unsporting behavior
• Being offside

What action restarts play after the ball crosses the touchline?

• Throw-in
• Corner kick
• Goal kick
• Dropped ball

What is the signal for a substitution in a soccer match?

• The referee raises both arms overhead
• Fourth official holds up a numbered board
• Coach waves a flag
• A whistle is blown twice

What is the distance from the penalty mark to the goal line?

• 5.5 meters (6 yards)
• 7.32 meters (8 yards)
• 9.15 meters (10 yards)
• 11 meters (12 yards)

What happens if a substitute enters the field of play without the referee’s permission?

• The substitute is cautioned with a yellow card
• The substitute is sent off with a red card
• A penalty kick is awarded to the opponents
• Play continues without interruption

How many assistant referees are typically appointed for a standard professional soccer match?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4