Major League Soccer rules

Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. Each game involves two teams of 11 players each, competing over two 45-minute halves to score the most goals. Soccer is a fast-paced sport emphasizing teamwork, skill, and strategy.

Game Structure

Field: The field is rectangular, approximately 100-130 yards long and 50-100 yards wide. At each end is a goal area and penalty box, where goalkeepers can use their hands and penalty kicks are taken.
Time: Matches consist of two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime. The clock runs continuously, but the referee can add “stoppage time” at the end of each half to account for injuries, substitutions, and other interruptions. If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it may end in a draw, except in certain tournaments where extra time and penalty shootouts can determine a winner.

Scoring

Goal (1 point): A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar. Each goal counts as one point.
Offside: Players must avoid being in an offside position (closer to the opponent’s goal line than the ball and second-last defender) when receiving a pass. Offside infractions nullify goals and award the defense an indirect free kick.

Play Mechanics

Kickoff: The game starts with a kickoff from the center spot, as does play following halftime or a goal.
Passing and Dribbling: Players move the ball by passing to teammates or dribbling (carrying the ball with controlled touches) while advancing toward the opponent’s goal.
Substitutions: MLS teams are allowed up to five substitutions during regular time, with opportunities limited to three stoppages in play, plus halftime. Substitutions may not return once replaced.

Set Pieces

Free Kicks: Awarded after fouls. Free kicks are direct or indirect; indirect kicks require another player’s touch to score.
Penalty Kick: Awarded for fouls within the penalty box. The ball is placed 12 yards from the goal, with only the goalkeeper defending.
Corner Kick: Given when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by the defense. Taken from the corner nearest the goal line where the ball went out.
Goal Kick: Awarded to the defense when the offense kicks the ball over the goal line without scoring. The defense restarts play from their goal area.

Penalties and Infractions

Fouls: Physical contact deemed unfair (e.g., tripping, pushing) results in a free kick or penalty kick for the opposing team.
Yellow Card: A caution for unsporting behavior. Two yellow cards in one game result in a red card.
Red Card: Ejection for serious offenses (e.g., violent conduct, denying a clear goal opportunity). The ejected player’s team continues with one fewer player, known as playing “a man down.”

Extra Time and Penalty Shootouts In regular-season MLS games, ties stand after 90 minutes. However, in tournament or playoff matches, tied games proceed to two 15-minute extra time periods. If still tied, the game is decided by a penalty shootout, where each team alternates five penalty kicks, followed by sudden-death rounds if necessary.

Standings and Points System

Points: In MLS, teams earn points in the standings (3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss). The standings determine playoff eligibility, with the top teams advancing to postseason competition.

The MLS aims to maintain a fair, competitive environment by enforcing rules on player conduct, field play, and fouls, while emphasizing the fast, fluid style of play that characterizes soccer worldwide.

ChatGPT Prompt: Now, please provide a one-page synopsis of the rules and regulations of Major League Soccer in the United States.