Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in the world. With millions of players worldwide, it unites people of different age groups and diverse backgrounds. However, as a beginner, you might struggle to understand the game. So, in today's guide, I have created a guide where I have shared the football rules and regulations. If you want to know more, read the blog until the end for a better understanding.
History of Football
Football is a team sport played between two teams, with 11 players on each side. The football is propelled by the feet around a rectangular field known as a pitch. The game's main aim is to score more goals than your opponent.
The history of football has an untold story and has a long history as well.
The early type of game where the feet were used resembles the modern association. Another version of the game consisted of players passing the ball among their teammates without allowing it to touch the ground. The Japanese version of the cuju is kemari. In this game format, the ball is passed to several players, and dropping the ball on the ground is not allowed.
Apart from these references, there is evidence from the prehistoric and ancient people, where several indigenous people worldwide played the games. Even in the Middle Ages, there was a massive rise in the popularity of the annual Shrovetide football throughout European countries, particularly in England.
Though the game continued to be played across various forms throughout Britain, its public school was credited with four key achievements in creating modern football codes. The first so-called football club was called the "Foot-Ball Club," and it was situated in Edinburg, Scotland, from 1824 to 1841.
Only a few football teams existed and actively participated against each other in the 1870s, especially from Scotland and England. To date, there are 211 national associations in the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA), the world governing body of the sport. Another proof of globalization could be seen in the increase in the number of nations participating in the World Cup qualifiers from 32 in 1934 to over 200 in 2014.
Standard Terms Used in Football
Fouls and Misconduct
You may be charged with foul or misconduct for certain behaviours in certain areas.
Conduct such as tripping, pushing, or tackling an opponent unfairly is considered a foul.
Arguing with the referee is regarded as a foul or misconduct during playing.
Freekicks and Penalties
A free kick in football is awarded for fouls or rule violations. It could be both direct as well as indirect.
Penalties occur when the foul occurs inside the penalty area. Here, only the goal is taken.
Throws In
A throw-in is when the ball crosses the touchline. Here, the opposing team gets the throw-in.
Goal Kick
A goal kick is awarded to the defending team when the ball crosses their goal line without a goal being scored
Corner Kick
A corner kick is awarded to the attacking team if the ball crosses the goal line when the defender touches it.
Equipment and Field Dimensions
Here, the players wear jerseys, shorts, shin guards, socks, and preferably football cleats, which you might like. Goalkeepers wear unique jerseys for identification. When talking about the field dimensions, the field is typically rectangular, 100-130 yards long, and 50-100 yards wide.
Players and Positions
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers are the only football players allowed to use their hands in the penalty area.
Defenders
Defenders are players who prevent their opponents from scoring.
Mid Fielders
Midfielders play a versatile role in connecting the defence and attack of the players.
Forwards
Strikers and Wingers focus on the game and stay there with the main aim of scoring goals.
Common And Basic Football Rules and Regulations
Aim
The game's main aim is to score more than the opposite team.
The goal is scored when the ball crosses the line between the goalposts.
Game Duration
The game lasts 90 minutes, with 45 minutes of halves.
The clock keeps running even if the ball is at rest.
At half-time, there is usually a 15-minute break in between.
The referee can also add additional time in case any player gets injured.
Balls In and Out
The in and out of the ball is until when the ball remains inside the boundary.
When the game crosses the touchline or the boundary, it is considered an out.
Goalkeeper Necessary
A goalkeeper is necessary in every team, and if there is a case where the goalkeeper is suspended, anyone from the team can become the goalkeeper.
Captain
Each team is led by the captain, whose primary responsibility is representing the team and directing other players to take appropriate steps for better gameplay.
Number of Players
Substitutes can replace the number of players in the team that is teaming the game. A maximum of three to five substitutions are permitted even in most competitive football games.
Start and Restart
The game begins when the ball is hit from the middle of the field, and the restart occurs after goals, half-time, or when the ball goes out of play.
Frequently Asked Questions about Football Rules and Regulations
What Is the Duration of Time Young Players Spend in Football?
The matches conducted for the young players are usually shorter, depending on the league. However, it has a duration of at least 20-40 minutes.
What Happens If a Match Ends in a Tie in Football?
In the league games, ties are allowed up to a certain extent. For knockout matches, extra time or a penalty shootout helps decide the winner of the player or a team.
How Many Substitutions Are Allowed in the Game?
Usually, a game is allowed with three to five substitutions depending upon the competition rules.
Understanding football rules and regulations is the first step toward learning about the game. With these basics, you can become well-versed in practising types of football kicks in the game because every legendary player you know today might have started as a beginner.
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Thank you!