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Soccer Galore :: Soccer 101 Articles
Its World Cup soccer time, and that means thousands of soccer fans from around the World will converge on stadiums around the World to cheer their favorite teams or favorite players. So make sure to gear up with your favorite club team jersey, national team jersey or player jersey!
You
say you don't know much about soccer other than it's a handful of
players running for a long time, kicking a ball back and forth? If
you're like me, you get winded just watching all that scurrying about.
But never fear; soccergalore
understands that not everyone knows everything about every sport, so
here is a primer on soccer (or football, as the rest of the world -
calls it):
There are 11 players on each team, and one must be a goal keeper. Generally, only three substitutes can be used, and once a substitute enters the field, the player who is being replaced cannot return to the soccer game. However, if the referee OKs it, any player can change places with the goal keeper, as long as the right jersey is worn. Goal keepers jerseys must be distinctive from the referees jerseys and the outfielders. Oh, and only goalies can wear gloves.)
The soccer ball is approximately 27-28 inches in circumference and approximately weighs 14-16 ounces and usually is made of leather.
The Field
The soccer field is rectangular (it cannot be square) and must be at
least 100 yards long (130 yards max) and at least 50 yards wide (100
yards max).
Flag posts at least five feet high are at each corner. Sometimes flags are posted at the halfway line. A circle with a 10-yard radius is marked at the center of the field where players must stand during a kickoff. There are small quarter-circles with a one-yard radius in each corner, where corner kicks are taken.
Rules
There is only one referee, whose authority is godlike and usually is
dressed in pine stripes. It is generally not a good idea to argue
excessively with the referee. If you do, you could get a warning
(demonstrated by the referee holding up a yellow card) or be ejected
(red card or a second yellow card). Some referees carry their red cards
in the pockets of their shorts and the yellow cards in their shirt
pockets, so look to see where a referee is reaching when a whistle is
blown. Sometimes a referee will fake a player out by starting to reach
for a red card, but then pull out a yellow card.
There is a referee assistant on each touchline (sideline). They indicate when a ball is out of play and signal corner kicks, goal kicks or throw-ins.
Playing Ball
Teams gather at the center circle much like the opening faceoff in
hockey. At the start of the second half, the team that didn't gain
possession at game's start gets the kickoff.
Remember the reference about running for a long time? Well, the game is 90 minutes long, divided in half. There are few times the clock is stopped in soccer - even when a rule violation has occurred, the clock keeps running.
Positions
There are six outfield positions: fullback, sweeper, centerback or
center on defense, striker and winger on offense and a midfielder, who
is the link between the offense and the defense.
Soccer is physical, and there often is contact allowed that to a neophyte would seem like a foul. There is plenty of jostling for position. Only the feet, legs and head can be used to handle the ball.
Now sit back and enjoy the game. And if you don't understand what has happened on the field, ask that screaming fan next to you. Once they calm down, they'll be more than happy to explain it to you. For more information, try our Videos and DVD's and become a player.