The Game of Soccer By: Kevin Halloran

What is Soccer Soccer is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball. At the turn of the 21st century, the game was played by over 250 million players in over 200 countries, making it the world's most popular sport. The game is played on a rectangular field of grass or green artificial turf, with a goal in the middle of each of the short ends. The object of the game is to score by driving the ball into the opposing goal. http://www.soccer-game-information.com

How Soccer Originated The most recent version of soccer was started in 1863 in England, when two football associations split off on their different course. The modern rules of association football are based on the mid-19th century efforts to standardize the widely varying forms of football played in the public schools of England. http://www.soccer-game-information.com

The Laws of the Game There are 17 laws in the official Laws of the Game, each containing a collection of stipulation and guidelines. The same laws are designed to apply to all levels of football, although certain modifications for groups such as juniors, seniors, women and people with physical disabilities are permitted. http://all-soccer-info.com

Playing Field The length of the pitch (or field) for international adult matches is in the range of 100–110 m and the width is in the range of 64–75 m. The longer boundary lines are called touchlines, while the shorter boundaries (on which the goals are placed) are called goal lines.

Playing Positions There are four major positions in the game. Forwards – Play offense. Midfielders – Play offense and defense. Defenders – Play defense. Goal Keeper – Protects the goal.

Players, Equipment, Officials Each team consists of a maximum of eleven players (excluding substitutes), one of whom must be the goalkeeper. The basic equipment or kit players are required to wear includes a shirt, shorts, socks, footwear and adequate shin guards.

Players, Equipment, Officials (continued) A number of players may be replaced by substitutes during the course of the game. The maximum number of substitutions permitted in most competitive international and domestic league games is three. Common reasons for a substitution include injury, tiredness, ineffectiveness, a tactical switch, or timewasting at the end of a game. http://all-soccer-info.com

Fouls “A foul in association football is an unfair act by a player which is deemed by the referee to contravene Law 12 of the Laws of the Game.” –Rules of Soccer Some examples of fouls Pushing Tripping

Yellow and Red Cards A yellow card is given as a caution. It is a warning to players that they must behave better. A red card is an automatic ejection from the game. The player also isn’t allowed to play in his/her next game.

Different types of kicks There are many different types of kicks that can be awarded in the game of soccer.

Offside Ruling The offside ruling is the most misunderstood rule in the game of soccer, but in reality, it’s not very hard to understand. Let’s try to make it simple.

Offside Ruling

Conclusion Soccer is a fun game that can easily be understood. Soccer is still the most popular sport in the world. The game will always be played in all places though out the world.

Sources "Soccer History and Information including World Cup History, Soccer Origin, History of Soccer, FIFA Ranking, Rules of Soccer and Europe Premier League Table." Soccer History. Soccer Info, n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2012. <http://all-soccer-info.com/>. "SOCCER INFORMATION." SOCCER INFORMATION. Soccer Game Information, n.d. Web. 08 Oct. 2012. <http://www.soccer-game-information.com/>. "SoccerWebsite.org." Soccer Website. Soccer Website, n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2012. <http://www.soccerwebsite.org/>.