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Have you ever wondered what’s going on in the game or why that crazy fan is yelling at the referee? Worry no more. We have the insider’s guide to soccer in order for you to learn the rules and lingo of the game. Now you will sound like a pro when you cheer and yell at the soccer game. Get out there, join in the fun, and cheer on your Rams!
The Regulations
· Two 45 minute halves separated by a 15 min. break (halftime).
· Time doesn’t stop for substitution.
· First kickoff and defending side is determined by a coin flip.
· Field must be natural or artificial green grass.
· Common formations on the field: 4:4:2, 4:3:3, 4:2:4 (defenders: midfielders: forwards)
· Two yellow cards in one game are equal to a red card.
The Players
· 10 field players on each team.
· Positions: forward, midfielder, defender, goalkeeper.
· 1 center referee and 2 assistant referees.
· Each team must consist of no less than seven players to begin and complete the match.
· A player who is issued a red card may not return to play in the same game; the team must play a man down.
The Goalkeeper
· 1 goalkeeper on each team.
· The goalkeeper can only touch the ball with his hands inside the penalty box.
· The goalkeeper can’t touch the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate.
· The goalkeeper can’t hold the ball in his hands for more than six seconds before releasing it.
The Game
· At kickoff, the first kicker may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.
· The ball can be hit with any part of the body except arms/hands; goalkeeper can use hands.
· Substitutions are allowed when the team will have ball possession after restart or when either team has a goal kick.
· A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line.
· No offsides on a throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick.
· Free kicks are either direct or indirect.
· Direct free kicks are awarded to the opposing team if a player commits a foul considered to be careless or reckless.
· Indirect kicks are awarded for less serious fouls, and the ball must be touched by two players before scoring.
· Free kicks are taken from the place where the offense occurred.
· If offside is called, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team.
Soccer Lingo Explained
"Nutmeg" When the ball is intentionally kicked between a player’s legs.
“Bicycle kick” When a player kicks the ball in mid-air backwards and over his own head, usually making contact above waist level; an acrobatic shot.
"Drop ball" When the referee drops the ball between two opposing players facing each other to resume play.
“Assist” The pass that immediately precedes a goal.
“Breakaway” When an attacker possesses the ball and approaches the goal undefended; goalkeeper and attacker are in a one-on-one showdown.
“FIFA” Fédération Internationale de Football Association- official governing body of international soccer since 1904.
“Hat trick” Three or more goals scored in a game by a single player.
"Goal kick” When the ball is kicked from inside the goal area away from the goal; awarded to the defending team when the ball is out of bounds after crossing the goal line.
“Corner kick” When a ball is kicked from the corner arc in an attempt to score; awarded to attacking team when the ball crosses the goal line and is last touched by the defending team.
"Free kick” When a player kicks a stationary ball without any opposing players within 10 yards; awarded for a foul committed by the opposition.
"Advantage” The referee is to refrain from stopping play for a foul if a stoppage would benefit the team that committed the violation.
“Crossbar” The horizontal beam that forms the top of a goal and sits on top of the two-posts; it is 24 feet long and supported 8 feet above the ground.
“Offside” When a player is nearer to her opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent at the time the ball is played by a team mate.
“Yellow card” A card shown to the player to communicate that a player or coach has been warned.
“Red card” A red card issued by the referee to communicate that a player or coach has been sent off.
"Overtime" The extra periods played after a regulation game ends tied; used to determine a winner.
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