EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOCCER
Soccer, renowned as the most beloved sport globally, transcends boundaries beyond North America. This guide delves into the dynamics of the game, Soccer field players, and key components, offering insight into its universal appeal.
WHAT IS SOCCER?
Soccer, known as football in most parts of the world, is a team sport featuring two teams of 11 Soccer field players each competing on a field. Each team consists of one goalkeeper and 10 outfield players, who may specialize in attacking, defending, or both. While players are often categorized as defenders, midfielders, and forwards, there are no strict limitations on their movement across the pitch. The sport’s official name is Association Football.
THE SOCCER BALL
A soccer ball is spherical and must have a circumference ranging from 27 to 28 inches, with a weight between 14 and 16 ounces.
HOW POPULAR IS THE GAME OF SOCCER?
In a recent article from Sports Buddy on Contact and Non-contact sports, the game of Soccer is widely regarded as the most popular sports with an estimated 4 billion fans around the world.
Soccer’s popularity spans continents and cultures, making it the most widely embraced sport globally. Its allure lies in its simplicity, requiring only a ball and a space to play, fostering inclusivity and accessibility. With its fast-paced action, strategic depth, and thrilling moments, Soccer captivates fans of all ages and backgrounds.
Its ability to unite communities, fuel rivalries, and inspire passion transcends borders, solidifying its status as a beloved pastime and a cultural phenomenon worldwide.
HOW DOES A SOCCER FIELD LOOK LIKE?
Soccer is played on a rectangular field known as a pitch, featuring a goal at each end. For international adult category matches, the pitch dimensions typically range between 110 to 120 yards in length and 70 to 80 yards in width filled with 11 soccer field players in each half.
The goal lines mark the boundaries at each end of the pitch, while the lines perpendicular to them are referred to as the touchlines. Grass is the preferred playing surface, with artificial surfaces seldom utilized at the professional level.
How many Soccer Field player/Objective of Soccer
The primary objective in soccer is to advance the ball up the pitch and across the opponent’s goal line. A standard match lasts 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each.
The goal comprises two upright posts and a horizontal crossbar positioned in the center of the goal line, often accompanied by a net to halt the ball’s progress once it crosses the line. Goals can be scored by any of the 11 Soccer field players on the team, adding one to the team’s tally
Additionally, if an opponent inadvertently directs the ball into their own goal, it also counts as a goal for the opposing team. The team with the most goals at the end of the 90 minutes wins the game. In regular season matches, play concludes after 90 minutes, even if the score is tied.
However, in domestic cup competitions and the knockout stages of international tournaments, an extra 30 minutes of play, split into two 15-minute halves, known as extra-time, may be added. If the scores remain level after extra-time, a penalty shootout occurs. During a shootout, five soccer field players from each team take turns attempting to score, with additional rounds of sudden death if necessary until a winner is determined.
WHAT ARE THE LAWS GUIDING SOCCER?
Soccer operates under 17 fundamental rules known as the Laws of the Game, established and overseen by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). These laws are intended to be universally applicable, but minor adjustments are implemented to accommodate factors such as age, gender, and disabilities.
WHAT IS A FOUL IN SOCCER?
In a soccer team consisting of 11 soccer field players, 10 are referred to as “outfield” players and are prohibited by the Laws of the Game from using their hands or arms to handle the ball. Only the team’s goalkeeper is permitted to handle the ball, but solely within the confines of their penalty area.
Should the goalkeeper venture beyond the penalty area, they become subject to the same restrictions as outfield soccer field players. Deliberate handling of the ball, tripping, or pushing an opponent result in penalties. A direct free-kick, taken from the spot of the foul, allows the attacking team to aim for an immediate goal.
If the offense occurs within the offending player’s penalty box, a penalty kick is awarded. Other infractions lead to an indirect free-kick, requiring at least one additional member of the attacking team to touch the ball before a goal can be scored.
PENALTY KICK IN SOCCER
The penalty area, commonly known as the 18-yard box, serves as a critical zone within the soccer field. Here, the goalkeeper enjoys exclusive rights to handle the ball, while any violation of the Laws of the Game, such as a foul, committed by a defending player within this area results in the opposing team being awarded a penalty kick.
During a penalty kick, the ball is placed on the penalty spot, situated 12 yards from the center of the goal. Any of the soccer field players, including the goalkeeper, can take the penalty, with the opposing goalkeeper striving to prevent the ball from entering the goal.
Only the penalty taker and the defending goalkeeper are permitted inside the penalty area during the execution of a penalty kick.
WHAT DO SOCCER FIELD PLAYERS WEAR?
Before the commencement of a game, the goalkeeper must be designated and distinguishes themselves by wearing attire popularly known as aJersey of a different color from their teammates, including shirts, shorts, and socks.
Meanwhile, all Soccer field players asides the goalkeeper on the same team don identical shirts, shorts, and socks, collectively referred to as a “strip.” Essential equipment for all players includes boots equipped with studs or cleats to enhance traction on the pitch.
While headgear is not obligatory, players typically wear shin guards for protection, with goalkeepers utilizing specially designed gloves to improve their ball grip.
WHO ARE SOCCER OFFICIALS?
Soccer matches are overseen by a team of officials whose primary responsibility is to ensure fair play and enforce the rules of the game amongst Soccer field players.
The main official on the field is the referee, who has the authority to make decisions regarding fouls, penalties, and the overall conduct of the match. The referee is assisted by two assistant referees, also known as linesmen, positioned along the touchlines to assist in determining offside decisions and signaling when the ball has crossed the touchline or goal line.
Together, these officials play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and flow of the game, ensuring that matches are conducted in a manner that upholds the spirit of fair competition.
WHAT IS RED AND YELLOW CARD IN SOCCER?
In soccer, there are no set limits on the number of fouls a player can commit, unlike in basketball, nor is there a penalty box akin to ice hockey. When a player commits a significant infraction, the referee may issue a yellow or red card. A yellow card serves as a caution, commonly referred to as a booking.
If the same individual from any of the Soccer field players commits another offense deserving of a yellow card, they receive a second yellow card, resulting in a red card and immediate expulsion from the game. A red card mandates any of the Soccer field players immediate departure from the field.
It’s important to note that a player can be directly shown a red card without prior issuance of a yellow card if the referee deems the offense severe enough. If a goalkeeper receives a red card, a substitute goalkeeper can be brought in, but the team must sacrifice an outfield player in exchange, leaving them with 10 players.
While a team can continue playing with up to four Soccer field players sent off, matches are halted prematurely if a team falls below seven Soccer field players as per referee instructions.
INTRODUCTION OF VAR TO SOCCER
After you understand the above-mentioned football rules, you can also organize a friendly football match yourself.
To make the game more ritualistic, you can also custom Soccer Medals.
After a fierce game, rewards are given to those who worked hard for the game, which will make him unforgettable about the game and love football as a multi-player sport even more.