Football: Everything you need to know about the field, players and leagues

It's a sport that engages millions of people worldwide and the rules can be a little strange.

Football is a team sport in which two teams of eleven players try to score each other ball into the opponent's goal. The rules of the game are strict and are followed by one referee led.

In this article I will tell you all about the history, the rules, the different positions and the educational value of the sport.

Football: a globally popular sport with many facets

The rules of the game and the purpose of football

Football is a team sport in which two teams of eleven players play against each other on a field. The object of the game is to get the ball into the opponent's goal and score more goals than the opposing team. The ball may only be touched with the feet, head or chest, with the exception of the goalkeeper who may also touch the ball with his hands within the penalty area. A referee is in charge of the game and sees to it that everyone follows the rules of the game.

The role of team functions and individual positions

Football is a team sport in which every individual plays an important role. The team must work together to create the ball and create chances, while it is also important to prevent goals from the opponents. The team is divided into different positions such as attackers, midfielders, defenders and the goalkeeper. Each position has its own team task and playing position that must be filled in concretely.

The practice of football

Football is a complicated sport in which many factors play a role. It is not only about scoring goals, but also about performing football actions such as building up, dribbling, heading, putting pressure, sliding and switching. It is important to regain possession of the ball as quickly as possible and to play the ball forward as quickly as possible.

The educational value of football

Football is not only a sport, but also an educational activity. It teaches players to work together, to deal with winning and losing and to respect the referee and the opponent. Football clubs often have a youth plan that focuses on developing the individual skills of the players and creating a team spirit.

The encyclopedia of football

Football is a sport played worldwide by approximately 270 million people. It is a sport that encompasses much more than just the game itself. There are many leagues, clubs and players that all have their own story. There is a Dutch wiki dictionary and wiktionary in which all terms and concepts of football are explained. There are many books and films that tell the story of football and there are many people who are involved in the final editing of football related articles.

The importance of arbitration and assistance

Arbitration and assistance are important aspects of football. A referee must be impartial and enforce the rules of the game. Assistants help the referee see what is happening on the field and can support him in making decisions. It is important that the arbitration and assistance functions properly in order for the game to be fair.

The importance of winning and losing

Football is about scoring goals and winning games. It's important to strive for profit, but it's also important to learn how to deal with loss. It is a sport in which one team gets more chances than the other, but in the end it is about who scores the most goals. It is important to keep changing tactics and to switch regularly to surprise the opponent.

The importance of team spirit and individual skills

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Football is a team sport in which every individual plays an important role. It is important to work well together as a team and to support each other. It is also important to work on the individual skills of the players to make the team stronger. It is a sport in which speed, technique and tactics come together and in which it is important to keep working on improvement as a team.

The history of football

Origin of football

The origins of football have long been debated, but it appears that the game has been practiced worldwide in various forms for centuries. Modern football as we know it today originated in England in the 19th century. In 1863 the Football Association was founded, which laid down the rules of the game and organized the competition. Football clubs and football players kept coming up with new tactics and playing styles to improve the game.

Development of football in Europe

Football quickly became popular in Europe and the introduction of professional football in the 20s made it possible to play football professionally. The English took football to other countries and it quickly became the most popular sport in Europe. The Netherlands has the oldest football club in the world, UD from Deventer, followed by HFC from Haarlem. Time and time again football players came up with new tactics and playing styles to improve the game.

International development of football

In the 30s, football was increasingly played internationally and international competitions emerged. Denmark was virtually unbeatable and Uruguay became the first world champion in 1930. In the 50s, the Austrian national team was strong, although they did not win a world title. In the 50s and 60s, Hungary was undisputedly the strongest team in the world, according to some, never even better. The famous football players Kocsis and Czibor were part of this team. The fairy tale ended with the uprising in Hungary in 1956.

Contemporary football

Modern football resembles the football of the past in many ways, but many changes have also been made. For example, the rules of the game have been adjusted and the game has become faster and more physical. Football is still the most popular sport in the world and is played and watched by millions of people.

The football field: the playing field for this popular ball sport

General overview of the field

The football field is a rectangular piece of land on which the game is played. The field is divided into two halves by a center line and surrounded by side lines. The field is further divided by lines that indicate the boundaries of the playing area. The goal line is the line between the two goal posts and the back lines are at either end of the pitch. The field has a size of about 100 meters long and 50 meters wide for adults.

The position of the targets

There is a goal area at both ends of the field. The goal area is marked by a rectangular line and is bounded by the goal line and two lines extending outward and terminating in corner points. The target area is 16,5 meters wide and 40,3 meters long. Within the goal area is the goal, which consists of two goalposts and a crossbar. The goal is 7,32 meters wide and 2,44 meters high.

The penalty and penalty areas

The penalty area is a rectangular area located at either end of the pitch, within the goal area. The penalty area is 16,5 meters wide and 40,3 meters long. The penalty spot is located in the center of the penalty area and is where penalties are taken.

The center circle and kick-off

In the middle of the field is the center circle, where the kick-off of the match takes place. The center circle has a diameter of 9,15 meters. The kick-off is taken from the center spot, which is located in the center of the center circle.

Other lines and areas

In addition to the lines and areas mentioned above, there are other lines and areas on the football field. For example, there is a corner kick area at both ends of the field, which is marked by a quarter circle. The corner kick is taken from the corners of this area. At the outer edge of the penalty area is the penalty spot, from which penalty kicks are taken. The area between the penalty area and the center line is called the midfield.

The goalkeeper's role

Each team has a goalkeeper, who defends the position of the goal. The goalkeeper may only touch the ball with his hands and arms within the goal area. Outside the goal area, the goalkeeper may touch the ball with any part of his body, except his hands and arms. The goalkeeper is attacked by the opposing team, who try to shoot the ball into the goal.

Players and lineups in football

The players

Football consists of two teams of 11 players each, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Each team has a number of players for each position on the field, such as defenders, midfielders and forwards. Players can be substituted during a match, for example due to an injury or bad play.

Setups

The line-up of a team is determined by the trainer, who gives guidance to the players about their tasks and positions on the field. Different formations are possible, such as 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and 3-5-2, with the number of defenders, midfielders and forwards varying.

Today, the lineup is usually announced electronically, with the names of the players shown on a screen. This gives the referee and linesmen an idea of ​​the line-up and which players are on the field.

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Each team has a number of substitutes, a number of which may be used during the match. A substitution can be made for tactical reasons, for example to replace a player who is not playing well, or because of an injury.

The trainer determines which player is substituted and who comes in. This can be predetermined, but can also be decided during the match. In the event of a substitution, the player must leave the field and may not return in the same match.

Setups for success

Since the beginning of football, the question of the best way to field a team has been answered in different ways. Hélenio Herrera, for example, invented the catenaccio playing style, which made Internazionale a successful Italian predecessor of the UEFA Champions League. Rinus Michels became champion three times in a row with Ajax through his total football style and formations.

Today, there are many stories of successful systems and coaches who have led their team to the top. But in the end it is the coach who decides which line-up suits his team best and how the players should be distributed on the field. It is important that the rules of the game are properly implemented and violations are punished so that the game is fair.

Football equipment: what do players wear on the field?

General

Football is a sport where players wear the same clothes, usually in the colors of their team. The word 'equipment' is translated as 'attire' or 'equipment' in English. The rules of the Football Association (FIFA) set a standard for the equipment of football players. These rules specify the minimum and prohibit the use of hazardous equipment.

Football equipment for players

The football equipment consists of socks, football boots and shin guards. In the winter, some players wear long leotards and gloves. As you can see in the history of football, it is mostly played by men, but women also use the same equipment.

Professional football clubs

Professional football clubs have costumes for their players, including polo shirts, body warmers and jackets. The referee and touch judges wear different equipment. The goalkeeper wears a different kit and the captain wears a captain's armband. When there is a death in the football world, a mourning band is worn during the match.

Football equipment rules

Football players must be able to move freely in their equipment. The clothing must be wide enough for everyone except those members of the team who are the goalkeeper, captain or linesman. They are required to wear different equipment. Players are not allowed to give or exchange money for their equipment.

Football kit

The football kit of the home team consists of a shirt in the colors of the club, football shorts and football boots. The colors of the away team must be different from those of the home team. If the colors of the away team are too similar to those of the home team, the away team must change colour. The goalkeeper wears a different color to distinguish himself from the other players.

The rules of football

Official Rules

Football is a sport played according to the official rules of FIFA, the international football association. These rules are also referred to as the 'Laws of the Game' and are codified to ensure a uniform way of playing.

Number of players and line-up

A football team consists of a maximum of eleven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. The number of players may depend on the league or tournament being played. The position of the players on the field is not fixed, but there are certain positions that players are often assigned to.

The field

The football field has a standard size and is rectangular in shape. The dimensions of the field may vary depending on the league or tournament being played in. The field is divided into two halves and there are several lines and markings indicating the different zones.

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The ball played with is spherical and has a certain circumference and mass. FIFA has specific rules for the size and weight of the ball, and there are also rules for the quality of the ball used during matches.

Goal

The object of the game is to kick the ball into the opponent's goal to score a goal. If the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goal posts and under the crossbar, a goal is awarded.

Offside

Offside is a rule that determines when a player is in an offside position. A player is in an offside position if he is closer to the opponents' goal line than the ball and the penultimate defender when the ball is played to him.

Fouls and violations

There are different types of fouls in football such as tackling an opponent, kicking an opponent or holding an opponent. If a player commits an offence, the referee may award a free kick or a penalty kick to the opposing team. In case of rude or unsportsmanlike behaviour, the referee can give a player a yellow or red card.

Rules for goalkeepers

The rules for goalkeepers are slightly different than for other players. For example, goalkeepers may touch the ball with their hands inside their own penalty area, but not outside it. They are also not allowed to hold the ball for more than six seconds and they are not allowed to pick up the ball if it has been played back with their feet by a teammate.

Competitions and regulations

In the Netherlands, the competition is organized by the KNVB and there are different levels of competition, such as the Eredivisie and the Champions League. Each league has its own rules and regulations, such as the minimum size of the playing field and the number of corner flags that must be placed. In major tournaments, such as the World Cup, a special final ball is often used that complies with FIFA rules.

Competitions

Competition structure

Football is a sport that is played worldwide and has a wide variety of competitions. In the Netherlands, the league structure consists of the Eredivisie, below which the Eerste Divisie (second tier), Tweede Divisie (third tier) and below that again the Derde Divisie and the Hoofdklasse. The competition model has changed several times since the start of top football in the Netherlands in 1956. For the time being, the competitions are separate, but efforts are being made to connect the competitions again.

Competition format

One of the most important things when organizing competitions is to strive for the most exciting competition format. First of all, public order and safety are considered, and then the wishes of all parties involved are taken into account. These wishes are taken into account as much as possible throughout the entire process.

Licensing system

A professional licensing system is of great importance for maintaining a safe and accessible competition. The system is subject to developments in the market and is therefore regularly adjusted. Licensing matters are intensively maintained with ministries and agencies in order to be able to provide tailor-made solutions.

Competition season

The competition season differs per level and region. In the Netherlands, the season starts moderately around August and runs until May. Players who live and work in the Netherlands, but also British people who live and work in the Netherlands, can participate in the relevant competition based on their level and region.

Cup competition

In addition to the regular competitions, a cup competition is also organized. This competition is intended to allow the public to enjoy undisturbed football. It takes a lot of organization and customization to realize this competition.

Commercial involvement

Commercial involvement is of great importance when organizing competitions. Intensive contacts are maintained with various parties in order to improve and continue to develop the competition structure.

Conclusion

Football is one ball sport which has been practiced for centuries and has survived many cultures. It is a challenging sport with many facets.

I hope you now have a better idea of ​​this sport and how to play it.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of referees.eu is a content marketer, father and loves to write about all kinds of sports, and has also played a lot of sports himself for most of his life. Now since 2016, he and his team have been creating helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with their sports activities.