Soccers history and common knowledge
What is soccer and what is it commonly referred to?
Soccer first evolved as a game in England during the Middle Ages. Soccer is the largest sporting event in the world and is most commonly referred to as "Football”.
What does it mean when a ball is out of play?
A ball is OUT OF PLAY when it crosses over the sidelines. The team that touched the ball last before it went out of bounds loses possession and the other team gets a throw-in.
How and when does a penalty kick occur?
A PENALTY KICK occurs when the defensive team commits a major foul in the penalty area. The offensive team member takes a kick from the penalty spot and the goalkeeper is the only player allowed to try and stop the kick. The ball must be kicked forward and the goalie cannot move until the kick has been made.
What is soccer etiquette?
ETIQUETTE Soccer involves both competition and teamwork. It is important to be a good sport, treat opponents with respect and accept the decisions of the referee.
What is a direct free-kick and when does it happen?
A DIRECT FREE KICK (kick shot directly at the goal) is awarded when a major foul occurs. Major fouls include handling the ball, kicking an opponent, striking an opponent, tripping an opponent, holding an opponent, pushing an opponent, jumping at an opponent, charging an opponent, charging from behind, and unsportsmanlike conduct.
What is a corner kick and what do you do when it is called?
A CORNER KICK occurs when the defensive team kicks the ball out of bounds. The offensive players can stand as close as they want to the kicker but the opposing team must be 10 yards away. A corner kick is taken from the corner of the field that is marked off with an arc which is a 1-yard radius.
What is the goal of soccer?
The object of the game is to send the ball into a goal 8 feet high and 8 yards wide using one's feet and head (NOT the hands) to propel the ball.
What is an indirect free kick and when is it awarded?
An INDIRECT FREE KICK (in which the kick must be touched by another player before a goal can be scored) is awarded when a minor foul occurs. Minor fouls include dangerous play; obstruction, the goalkeeper taking too many steps-and offsides.
A GOAL KICK occurs when the offensive team kicks the ball out of bounds over the end line but the ball does not go into the goal.
How many people play on the field and what are the positions?
Regulation soccer teams have 11 players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Each team consists of defensive players, midfielders, and forwards, in addition to a goalkeeper.
What is offside and when does it happen?
Offsides occur when the ball is passed to an offensive player positioned near the goal without at least two defensive players (one being the goalkeeper) between the offensive player and the goal.
What's a period of extra time and what happens when a game is tied?
Soccer matches are typically played as two 45 min halves, however; an additional 30 min is required (termed extra-time; ET) when a match requires an outright winner and scores are level after 90 min. If the game is tied following regulation time the following may occur: a period of extra time or penalty kicks.
What is a kick-off?
The game begins with a KICK-OFF by one team. The player who kicks off cannot touch the soccer ball again until another player has touched it. All players must be in their own half of the field during the kick-off, which also occurs after half time and after a team scores.
What is a drop ball and when does it happen?
A DROP BALL is given after the game is stopped due to injury. The soccer ball is dropped between two opponents who try to gain possession of the ball after it touches the ground.
A THROW-IN occurs whenever the ball goes out of play over the sidelines. The team that did not touch the ball last takes the throw. In a throw-in, both feet must be in contact with the ground and remain behind the sideline. The player must use both hands to throw the ball from behind the head, and another player must touch the ball before the person who throws the ball can touch the ball again. A goal cannot be scored from a throw-in.