Basic Flag Football Rules

BASIC SOCCER RULES History Soccer or football as it is known in most of the world is thought to have begun around 200 BC. The Chinese played the game early on as a form of military training. During the 1300’s, soccer became popular in England. And in 1863, the London Football (soccer) Association was formed. In 1904, the Federation International Football (soccer) was founded in Paris. Game The game is continuous with no timeouts allowed. Time is stopped only for injury, suspension of play by official, end of period, or a score. The game of soccer results in low scoring due to the difficulty of executing the skills and some of the rules governing the game. There is no physical contact with other players in soccer. The player’s body may not be used as an obstacle to shield an opponent from getting to the ball unless the player is actually playing the ball at that moment. The ball may be propelled with any part of the body except the hands and arms. But the parts of the body mainly used are the feet, body, and head. The length of game is decided by the organizations that govern each league. The length of the game can also be modified to fit into any designated physical education class. Playing Field The playing field is 75 yards wide by 120 yards long. The field is divided into two halves with penalty areas at each end in front of the goals. Players A soccer team consists of 11 players although fewer or more may be used for P.E. classes. The player positions are attackers (forwards), midfielders (halfbacks), defenders (fullbacks), and the goalkeeper. The attackers are responsible for scoring. The midfielders support the attackers and are the first line of defense. The defenders support the midfielders and are the last line of defense. The goalkeeper is an important position because they are allowed to use their hands to contact the ball and keep the ball clear of the scoring area by throwing, punting, or drop kicking. They may only take four steps with the ball and are free from interference by opponents while in possession of the ball. Scoring A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line between goalposts provided it has not been thrown or carried by a player of the attacking side. A goal counts as one point. After a goal is scored, a free kick or kick off is made at the center of the field by the team scored against as each team is in its own half of the field. A goal cannot be scored from a kickoff. A coin toss by the referee determines which team has the choice of kicking off, receiving, or which goal they will run to. Kickoff Rules The defensive team must be 10 yards away when the ball is kicked. The kicking team must be behind the kicker. The ball must travel the circumference of the ball to be in play. The ball cannot be re-contacted by the kicker until someone else touches it first. Playing Regulations Fouls committed during the course of play results in a free kick for the offended team. Severe infractions result in a direct free kick, meaning a goal can be scored directly from that kick. Offenses for which a direct free kick is awarded include handling the ball with hands or arms; holding, pushing, striking, kicking, tripping, and charging an opponent; using a knee on an opponent; or when a foul occurs in the penalty area and results in a penalty kick. Other fouls or infractions result in an indirect free kick, meaning someone else must contact the ball following the kick before a goal can be scored. Indirect free kicks are made from the spot where the violation occurs.

All players except for the goalie and kicker must be outside the penalty area on a penalty kick. The goalkeeper must stand on goal line without moving until the ball is kicked. If the ball goes out of bounds at the end line by the attacking team, the defending team makes a goal kick. Any player on the defending team may take the goal kick and the kick must be from the ground and travel past the penalty area to be in play. If the ball goes out of bounds at the end line by the defending team, the attacking team puts it back into play by a corner kick. A goal may be scored on a corner kick. If the ball goes out of bounds on a sideline, it is put into play by a throw in. Temporary stopping of play while the ball is still playable results in the game restarting with a dropped ball. Two opponents face each other and the referee drops the ball to the ground between them for either to contact. Offensive/Defensive Strategies The objective for the offense is to maintain possession of the ball, keep wide until near the goal, and then pass the ball to the middle to make a score. The objective of the defense is to get the ball back, force excessive passes, and guard opponents who are in scoring position. Terms Corner Kick: A direct free kick awarded to the attacking player on the corner arc when the defending team last played the ball over their own end line. Direct Free Kick: A free kick from which the kicker may immediately score from that initial contact. Dribble: The technique of the player self-propelling the ball with the foot so that he maintains control while moving from one spot to another. Drop Ball: The method used for restarting the game after temporary suspension of play when the ball is still playable. Goal Area: The rectangular area in front of the goal where the ball is placed for a goal kick. Indirect Free Kick: A free kick from which a player other than the kicker must contact the ball before a score can result. Kickoff: The free kick that starts play at the beginning of the game, after each period, or after a score. Penalty Area: The large rectangular area in front of the goal where the goalkeeper is allowed to use the hands to play the ball. Penalty Kick: A free kick awarded for a direct free kick foul in the penalty area against the defending team. Throw In: The technique used for restarting the game when the ball goes out of play over the side line. Trap: The technique used for receiving the ball, bringing it under control.