The integrity of football rules, and the referees who apply them, must always be protected and respected. Otherwise almost all organised football worldwide is played under the same ruleset. The Laws of the Game allow national football associations to make minor variations, including some at the lowest levels.
These soccer regulations are published by Federation of Association Football (FIFA), but are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). During a match, it is the task of the referee to interpret and enforce the Laws of the Game.
Among others, the football rules cover the number of players a team should have, the game length, the size of the field and ball, the type and nature of fouls that referees may penalise, the offside law, and many other soccer regulations.
