Soccer is a very popular sport worldwide. It is played between two teams, usually 11 players in each, on a rectangular field with a spherical ball. The object is to score more goals than the other team. Teams can achieve this by kicking or head the ball into the opposition’s goal.
In soccer, there are many rules to follow. These include the laws of the game, the size of the pitch, the use of fouls and penalty kicks, and the marking of the field. All these laws are in place to ensure fair play and to keep the game fun. However, these rules are also open to interpretation. Some of these laws have been changed over the years.
When the game is going on, the referees are trained to keep the game fun and exciting. But when one player breaks the rules, the other players have the right to call for a foul or penalty. A referee may give a red card to a player who is deemed dangerous. Likewise, a player who is given a yellow card may not continue playing.
One of the most common fouls in soccer is called offside. This occurs when a player is on the offensive side of the field and is more than five yards away from the opposing team’s last defender. Offside can be an intentional placement of the ball, but it can also be caused by a back pass from a player further down the field.
Offensive players must not be between the last defender and the goal line. Likewise, a defending player may not intentionally place the ball behind the net. Another common foul is called a handball, when a player touches the ball with his or her hands.
Soccer matches are played in 45 minute halves. If a team is out of possession after halftime, the other team is allowed a free kick. Alternatively, a penalty kick is taken, if the opponent fouls outside of the 18-yard box. Goalkeepers can only handle the ball in their own 18-yard box, but they can take a free kick if their team commits a foul outside of their own goal box.
Soccer balls are made of leather or a comparable medium. They are spherical in shape and have a diameter of around 68 to 70 cm. Balls must weigh between 410 to 450 g. They are only used in official sanctioned games.
Players are not permitted to carry the ball with any body part, except their hands. They can only use their heads or feet to play the ball. To help prevent injuries, players are not permitted to use rings or rings of any kind.
Soccer is played on grass or artificial turf. However, the rules vary from one country to another. In some parts of the world, it is known as football. Football can also be played on an entirely different surface. Most of the time, it is not a legal offense to cross the end line.