Good soccer players compete hard but fairly. The most important dos are to respect referees, opponents and teammates, communicate positively, give full effort, arrive prepared and follow fair play customs such as returning the ball after an injury stoppage and shaking hands after the match. The key don’ts are arguing with referees, diving or faking injuries, retaliating after fouls, wasting time excessively and blaming teammates. These habits make the game more enjoyable for everyone and also keep players out of trouble, since dissent, simulation and delaying restarts are all cautionable offenses under the Laws of the Game.
Rulebook note: Rules referenced here follow the IFAB Laws of the Game used in most competitions. Youth and local competitions may add their own codes of conduct, such as respect programs, temporary dismissals or specific rules on spectator behavior. Check your league’s rules.
Soccer dos and don’ts at a glance
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Shake hands with opponents and officials after games | Argue with or abuse referees |
| Put the ball out if an opponent is seriously injured | Fake injuries or dive to win fouls |
| Return the ball after an injury stoppage | Waste time excessively |
| Encourage teammates, especially after mistakes | Blame others for mistakes |
| Give full effort for the whole game | Retaliate after fouls |
| Arrive on time with the right gear | Show up late or unprepared |
| Listen to coaches and captains | Ignore instructions or undermine teammates |
Respect the referee
Referees make hundreds of decisions in a match, and they will occasionally get things wrong, just as players do. Showing dissent by word or action is a cautionable offense, and abusive or offensive language can lead to a red card. In many competitions, only the captain is expected to approach the referee to ask about decisions, and some leagues have adopted rules encouraging this. At youth levels, referees are often teenagers or volunteers, and abuse from players, coaches and spectators is a major reason many stop officiating. Accept decisions, keep playing and let captains or coaches raise concerns calmly and through the proper channels.
Play fair
Simulation, which means attempting to deceive the referee by feigning injury or pretending to have been fouled, is a cautionable offense under the Laws of the Game. Diving damages trust in the game and can earn you a reputation that makes referees less likely to award genuine fouls. Play the ball, not the player, keep your studs down in tackles and avoid shirt pulling at set pieces. Fair play also means accepting the result gracefully, whether you win or lose.
The injury stoppage custom
A long-standing fair play custom is that when an opponent is seriously injured and the referee has not stopped play, the team in possession kicks the ball out so the player can receive treatment. When play restarts, the other team returns the ball to them. Under current Laws, referees are expected to stop play for serious injuries, and when play is stopped for an injury with the ball in play, the restart is usually a dropped ball given to the team that last touched it. The spirit of the custom remains important: do not take advantage of an opponent’s injury.
Control your emotions
Soccer can be emotional, and fouls, bad decisions and defeats can be frustrating. Retaliating after a foul, whether with a kick, push or insult, often leads to cards and can cost your team. Violent conduct results in a red card. Take a breath, walk away and focus on the next play. Teams that stay composed under pressure usually perform better.
Avoid excessive time wasting
Some slowing of the game is natural, but deliberately delaying restarts, such as taking too long over free kicks, goal kicks or throw-ins, is a cautionable offense. Referees can add stoppage time to compensate. Excessive time wasting frustrates opponents and spectators and is widely seen as poor sportsmanship. Many competitions have introduced stricter guidance on adding stoppage time for delays.
Be a good teammate
Good teammates make everyone better. Arrive on time with the right gear, including shin guards, water and appropriate footwear. Listen to coaches and captains, communicate clearly on the field and encourage teammates, especially after mistakes. Celebrate others’ successes, share the ball and accept your role in the team. Avoid blaming others publicly; mistakes are part of the game for everyone. Outside the game, help with team tasks, support new players and show respect to staff and volunteers.
Respect opponents
Opponents make the game possible. Compete hard, but avoid taunting, excessive celebrations directed at opponents or disrespectful comments. Help an opponent up after a fall, check on injured players and shake hands after the match. Many leagues and governing bodies run respect and fair play campaigns, and players who embody these values often earn admiration from teammates and rivals alike.
Dos and don’ts at training
Good habits start in practice. Arrive a few minutes early so you are ready when the session begins, and bring water, shin guards and the right footwear for the surface. Listen when the coach is explaining a drill rather than kicking balls around. Train with intensity but avoid reckless tackles on teammates, since injuries in training can sideline players for weeks. Help set up and collect equipment at the end of the session. If you are injured or unwell, tell the coach before training rather than struggling through. Consistent, positive behavior at practice builds trust with coaches and teammates and usually leads to more opportunities in matches.
Dos and don’ts for supporters
Parents, friends and fans also shape the atmosphere. Cheer for effort and good play from both teams, stay behind spectator lines and avoid shouting instructions at players, since that can confuse them. Never abuse referees, players or coaches. Many youth leagues have codes of conduct for spectators and can remove those who break them. Supporters who model respect help young players learn the right behavior and keep the sport enjoyable for everyone.
Social media and the wider game
Players at all levels increasingly share their sport online. Avoid posting abusive comments about opponents, referees or teammates, and think carefully before criticizing decisions publicly. Many clubs and governing bodies can discipline players for offensive online behavior. Use social media to celebrate achievements, thank supporters and promote the positive side of the game.
How to build good soccer habits
- Prepare properly with the right gear and arrive on time.
- Listen to coaches and follow team rules.
- Communicate positively with teammates during games.
- Let the captain speak to the referee.
- Stay calm after fouls or bad decisions.
- Follow fair play customs for injuries and restarts.
- Shake hands after every match, win or lose.
Common mistakes
- Arguing every decision and picking up dissent cautions.
- Diving to try to win fouls or penalties.
- Retaliating after being fouled.
- Negative talk toward teammates.
- Wasting time when protecting a lead.
- Showing up unprepared for training or matches.
Frequently asked questions
Why do players kick the ball out for injuries?
It is a fair play custom to allow an injured opponent to receive treatment.
Is diving against the rules in soccer?
Yes. Simulation is a cautionable offense under the Laws of the Game.
How should players talk to referees?
Calmly and respectfully, often through the team captain.
