Why Is One Player On A Soccer Team Dressed In A Different Color?

Soccer as we know it today, including its rules and regulations, originated in England in the 1830s. Despite its increasing popularity in the United States, few people know that the Native Americans and the pilgrims played a cruder version of the game in the 17th century, long before modern soccer was played en masse in America. Today, with the exception of Aussie rules football, soccer rules are the same worldwide, including uniform regulations.

Visibility

All people on the pitch during a soccer game must wear approved uniforms. The referee and the linesmen must wear a contrasting color to the players to be easily visible. All players on a team must wear the same color uniform with the exception of the goalkeeper, who wears a different color kit. This enables the referee to easily recognize the goalkeeper. This is important in soccer, as only a goalkeeper may handle the ball. The goalkeeper is usually further identified by the number "1" on the back of his shirt.

Spectator Psychology

The difference in color between the goalkeeper's kit and the rest of the team's also helps the spectator to follow the game more easily. According to research performed by psychologists at Johns Hopkins University, having the team wear a single color helps the spectator to view the team as a single entity. This helps the spectator to make sense of what he is seeing. Different colors, such as those seen on the goalkeeper, the referee or the ball help to catch the spectator's attention when any of those entities are a part of the action.

Importance of Uniform

The Federation Internationale de Football Association, or FIFA as it is more commonly known, dictates the rules for soccer worldwide. FIFA considers the uniform to be such an integral part of the game that officials specifically forbid the removal of shirts as part of goal celebrations. Generally, FIFA prefers that goalkeepers on opposing teams must wear different colors, but if both goalkeepers show up for a match without a change of shirt, the referee may still allow the game to be played.

Other Identification

Soccer players can be further identified by other markers. All players will have their surnames and number printed on the back of their shirts. The captain of the soccer team will also wear an armband to make him or her easily visible to the referee.