Soccer is a fun game
that can played almost anywhere and is played all over the world in large
stadiums and in backyards.
Soccer is played by 2 teams (usually with 11 players each) on a field
with a goal mouth at each end, using a round ball large enough to control
with the feet.
The object of soccer is to score more goals than the opposition. A goal
is awarded when the ball passes through the goal mouth of the opposing team.
If a player kicks the ball through their own goal mouth, the opposing team
is still awarded the goal.
Players may propel the ball in any direction with any part of their body
bar their hands and arms, except for one nominated goalkeeper on each team
who is allowed to use their hands and arms within a limited area called the
penalty box. Outside of this area the goalkeeper is bound by the same rules
as the other players.
Players may pass the ball to other team members in any direction as often
as they like, for as long as they like. The exception to this rule is that a
player cannot be passed the ball if they are offside. (See offside rule
below).
When the ball goes out of play over the sideline, the team opposite to
the team who last touched the ball is given a thrown in. The throw in is
taken from outside the field of play. To take a throw in the player must
start the throw with both hands on the ball and with the ball behind the
back of the head. Both feet must remain on the ground during the throw and
both hands must remain on the ball until releasing the ball.
When a team propels the ball over the opposition's goal line but not
through the goal mouth, the opposite team is awarded a goal kick. The goal
kick is taken in front and to the side of the goal mouth.
When a team propels the ball over their own goal line but not through the
goal mouth, the opposition is awarded a corner kick. A corner kick is taken
from the corner of the goal line and sideline, to the side of goal mouth
that the ball passed over.
A goal cannot be scored from an offside position. A player is offside
when the ball is passed forward to them and there are less than 2 players
between them and the opposition goal line. A player cannot be offside while
in their own half of the field or if they are passed the ball by an opposing
player.
