Soccer is the most popular game in the world. Although there are slight differences in regards to rules and regulations depending on level of play, most soccer games follow the same guidelines.
Field
The size of soccer fields vary depending on the level of play, with youth fields being smaller. Most fields are between 110 and 120 yards long and 70 and 80 yards wide. The goals are placed in the center of the goal line. Goals are eight yards long and eight feet high. The penalty area is a rectangular box in front of each goal, 44 yards wide and 18 yards long. The goalie is allowed to use her hands in this area. Additionally, if an offensive player is fouled in this area, a penalty kick is awarded.
Players
Each team is allowed to have 11 players on the field, including a goalkeeper. The players are allowed to be positioned in any formation. Typically, teams will align themselves with four defenders, three or four midfielders, and two or three forwards. Teams must wear colored jerseys that distinguish them from each other. Goalkeepers must wear a different color from their teammates in order to distinguish themselves. All players must have proper footwear, socks and shinguards. Shinguards are to be made of plastic or a similar material, and must provide a reasonable degree of protection. Usually shinguards need to reach from the ankle to just below the knee.
Gameplay
Kick-offs start the game or restart play after a goal or following halftime. From there, players attempt to move the ball forward using their feet. The ball can be touched by any body part except the hands. The objective of the game is to get the ball into the opposing team's goal. In order to score, the entire ball must cross the goal line.
If the ball is hit out of bounds over the sideline, a throw-in is rewarded to the opposing team. A throw-in involves a player, standing out of bounds, throwing the ball in over his head with two hands. If the ball is hit out of bounds over the goal line, a free kick is given. If the defensive team hit the ball out, a corner kick is taken by the attacking team. A corner kick is a free kick taken from the corner of the field. If the attacking team hit the ball out, a goal kick is taken by the defensive team. A goal kick is a free kick taken from the goal box.
Soccer games are played over the course of two 45-minute halves. Play is continuous and there are no timeouts. Additional time is added at the referee's discretion depending on how long he feel the game was not in play. At the end of the game, the team with the most goals wins.
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