Football has become the most popular sport in the world and is now played in over 200 countries. Around the world Football is the most played sport around the world and it has evolved from its roots in England.
Football owes its mass appeal to its simplicity. A team of two in a strip of open space maneuvers the ball around the field to the opposing goalpost. The objective of the game is to score a goal using only either the head, torso, or feet. To count it as a goal the entire ball must cross the goal line and the team with the most score within 90 minutes wins the match.
There are numerous football associations such as Spanish La Liga and the English Premier League. Or the big international events like the FIFA World Cups, Euros and the Olympics. All these associations abide by the set of universal football rules. FIFA the official global governing body of football has devised and fine-tuned the laws of the game.
The Football Pitch
Understanding the layout of the football field is important before playing football. The football pitch is rectangular in shape usually topped either by natural grass or artificial turfs. Football pitch dimensions can be anywhere between 90 – 120m in length and 45 – 90m in width but in FIFA 105m x 68m is recommended.
Touchlines or sidelines are borders that run along the length of the field. The width of the pitch along the perimeter is called the goal line. The four corners of the pitch are marked with corner flags. The pitch is enclosed within the side-lines and the goal line is divided into two by center-line drawn parallel to the goal lines. The mid-point of the half-line is called the centre-circle. Goal posts are placed each at the central point of the goal-lines. Goalposts must be 7.32m in length and 2.44m in height usually metal or wooden and lined with nets.
The 18-yard box is called the penalty area that is placed around each goalpost. The penalty area is 16.5m inside the pitch from the goal and the same distance from either side of the two ends of the goalpost. The rectangular area inside the penalty box is called the 6-yard box. Extending 5.5m inside the pitch from the goal-line and the same distance on either the two ends of the goalpost. The mark falls between the outer edge of the 6-yard box and 18 yard box is called the penalty spot. This is 11m away from the centre of the goal.
Rules of Football
The Start and Restart of Play
The two team captains meet in the center of the pitch along with a referee to start the game with a toss coin. The winning team chooses which goalpost to pursue in the first half, and the losing team kicks off the game.
The Players
There are 11 football players on each team including one designated goalkeeper. The 10 remaining players are called the outfield players. Teams can make 3 substitutions throughout the game. Players are not allowed to use their arms or hands to touch the ball except the goalkeepers.
Equipment
Harmful equipment like rings are not allowed to be worn as it might be harmful to players. Players must wear a shirt, shorts, socks, football shoes, and proper shin protection based on the rules. Headgears are not mandatory however players have the option to wear headgear.
The Ball
The universal football law says that the standard diameter of the ball must be around 22 cm and 68 -70 cm in circumference. The ball must also weigh between 410 – 450 kg.
The Referee
Referees oversee the game and have the power to penalize a player and stop a match in case a foul is committed. They have the last say in all matters of the game.
Match Duration
The match of two teams typically lasts for 90 minutes and is divided into 2 halves of 45 minutes each. There is a 15-minute break time in between and separates the two halves. Teams switch sides after the 15-minute break time.
Fouls and Misconduct
Foul: A player that goes against the rules of the game and prevents the game from being played. The team who committed the foul will have the opportunity to have a free kick.
Misconduct: An action of a player which is determined by the referee as a disciplinary consequence. The player who committed the misconduct can receive a warning or get kicked off the field.
Free Kicks
Direct Free Kicks: Awarded to the opposing team of the player who commits the foul. The player can either take a direct kick at the goal or pass the ball to a teammate.
The Penalty Kick
Penalty kicks are awarded to the attacking team when a defending team commits a foul inside their own penalty area. The ball is placed inside an 18-yard box and a player shoots directly to the opposing goal with only the goalkeeper depending on the post.
Throw-in
Throw-in is awarded when the ball goes outside the field of play. The opposing team of the player who last touched the ball is awarded with a throw-in.
Goal Kick
Goal kick is when the ball is sent out of the goal line whether on the ground or in mid-air. The defending team will have the opportunity to kick the ball back into the game to their advantage. But if the ball is sent out by the defending team, then the attacking team gets a corner kick.
Corner Kick
A player from the attacking team can place the ball in the corner closest to the area where the ball went out and kick it into play.
Football is widely played in every country in the world. When it comes to other sports, football has a greater number, which drives its popularity. The betting site has a part in this too. Checking the odds for football is now easier at 2eztobet and make your selection before a game begins.
