Introduction to Soccer

              The game of soccer is played by two teams. For most games, each team has 11 players on the field. The objective of the game is to put the ball in the opponent's net. The winning team is the team with the highest number of goals. Soccer is traditionally played on a rectangular field. A typical size of the field would be 100 metres in length and 75 metres wide. The field size may decrease with the play of a younger age level. The playing surface is well-maintained, short grass. But due to weather conditions, some people play on a gravel surface. The field is divided into two by a center line. At each end of the field are two goals (2.44m tall and 7.32m wide). Surrounding each goal is a square 5.5m box (the 6 yard box) and a 16.47m box (the 18 yard box). At each corner of the field is a corner flag which is a minimum of 2m tall.

                                 

                  The game is controlled by a head referee. The referee enforces the laws, keeps the playing time, and keeps the flow of the game moving. The game duration is two halves of 45 minutes each. The referee has two assistants who run up and down the touchlines. The linesman is a referee's second eye to the play and is the key official in determining offside, when the ball has left the field of play, and controlling substitutions.

                   The ball can be played with every part of the body except the arms. The only person who can handle the ball when it is in play with his hands is the goalkeeper. He may only do so when the ball is inside the 18 yard box. The only other time a person can handle the ball is during a throw-in. A throw-in takes place when the play has stopped due to the ball being kicked across one of the touchlines. The player has to throw the ball from behind his head in a forward motion while keeping his feet planted on the ground.

                   Play of the game is stopped only by the referee in certain situations. To signify a stoppage in play the referee will blow his whistle. Play is stopped if the ball crosses over any outside line of the field including the line inside the goal net. For the ball to be out of play, it must COMPLETELY cross over one of the touchlines or goal-lines. Another stoppage of play is if any player causes a foul or misconduct. The game stops at the end of each half. Playing time may be extended at the referee's discretion if there was an injury during the half.

                  Standard dress code and equipment for the game of soccer is basic. Every player must wear a jersey, shorts, socks, shinguards, and cleats. The team as a whole must have matching jerseys, shirts, and socks. The exception is the goalie who has to wear a different color jersey than the rest of the team. Shinguards are mandatory. Soccer cleats are specially designed for the soccer field. They give you superior traction and control to that of the performance you would receive with a normal running shoe. There are a variety of types of cleats for the varied weather conditions you may play in. No jewelry, watches, earrings, etc. are allowed to be worn during the game.