Whether you’re a new youth soccer parent or have watched your kiddos play for years, this article will help you enjoy the game from the sidelines.  

The basics. 
There are two opposing teams in a soccer match. The offense has the ball and the defense is working to steal it or at least protect their goal. 

Your kiddo has been assigned to a position with a specific job. Check out the table below to see what they’re supposed to be doing out there. The number of players in the position depends on the league, with the exception of the goalie – there is always only one goalie on the field for each team. 
 
 <<Put into a table format>>

 | Position | Key Job
| Goalie (a.k.a. Goalkeeper, Keeper) | Protect the goal from the ball entering. In other words, preventing the opposing team from scoring.  
| Defender (a.k.a Fullback, Back, Sweeper, Center Back, Right Back, Left Back) | Defense role. Help the Goalie prevent the ball from entering the goal.
| Midfielder (a.k.a Halfback, Stopper) | Both offensive and defensive roles. When defensive, they are the first to stop offensive attacks. When offensive, they are trying to move the ball toward the opposing goal.
| Forward (a.k.a.) Striker, Wing) | Offensive position whose main job it is to score goals. 

 
How Long is a Match? 
Matches typically last between 60 and 90 minutes (and may have additional stop time) depending on the league. 

Basic Rules
The match begins with a starting kick off. After the ball is kicked in any direction for the opening play, that player who initially kicked it, cannot touch it again until another player has touched it. 

Teams score one point for each ball they drive into the opponent’s goal. 

During the normal course of play, you may hear one or more of these terms or see the referee signal and/or whistle the rule. Here’s a quick run down of what they mean: 

Offsides – the offensive play was not behind two defenders or the ball when it was kicked. 

Out of Play – the entire ball has crossed the touch line (side line) or goal line (line at the end of the field). Possession is given to the opposing team. Balls that go out on the sidelines are thrown in, while balls that go out of the goal line are kicked in. When a ball is thrown in from the sideline, the player must keep both feet on the ground.

Offsides – At its simplest, a player cannot kick the ball towards one of their own teammates if there are fewer than two opposing players between that teammate and the opposing goal. Here’s a great video for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxdikTX8gx4

Handballs – if the ball comes in contact with a player’s hand or arm (with the exception of the Goalie who can use their hands in their own penalty area) and has provided an advantage to the team, a handball penalty or free kick will be called. 

Two Touch Rule – A player can’t throw the ball in from outside the side line and then be the first to touch it on the field

Advantage – There was a foul, but the referee is allowing the play to continue. 

Dangerous Play – the player has done something deemed dangerous to other players. 

Red and Yellow Cards – When a player gets a red card, they will immediately be sent off the field. Yellow card is a caution. 

Here’s a great video to help understand what the ref is signaling on the field: https://youtu.be/xh0nbXkWXs0

Tips for watching from the sidelines 
There aren’t really any rules on the sidelines, but I like to think that all spectators will abide by the ubiquitous, ‘don’t be a jerk’ rule. 
 
Get there early enough so that your kiddo can practice with their team. 

Be a good sportsman by recognizing the effort your kid’s team and the opposing team is putting in. 

Try to avoid coaching your kiddo or others from the sideline or calling your kiddo’s name and attention away from the game - let the coaches be their focus throughout the match. 

Find a good viewing position, and bring a comfortable chair to set it up so that you can see the field. Try not to block others’ view of the field. 

Remember that the referees are doing the best they can in the moment, so assume positive intent. 

Have fun and keep it positive, regardless of your kiddo’s skill level. 

Sources:
 https://www.soccer-for-kids.com/youth-soccer-rules-parents-should-know.html