In soccer, two teams of various number of players specific to the age group play against each other. Each team tries to move the ball toward the other team’s goal net. A point is scored each time a team puts the ball into the other team’s net. The ball must pass completely over the goal line before it counts as a goal. The team with the most points wins.

On a signal from the referee, a player kicks the ball from the center spot into the opponent’s half of the field to start play. Each player must be within his team’s half of the field, and defensive players must be at least 10 yards from the ball at the time of the kick-off.

A similar kick-off is used after a goal has been scored. When a team scores, the opposing team gets to kick-off.

During the game, only the goalkeeper of each team is allowed to use his or her hands to control the ball on the field. All other team members can trap the ball with the body, kick or head the ball to control it.

Play is stopped only when the ball goes out of bounds, when there is a penalty or injury, or when a goal is scored.

If the ball is knocked out of bounds over the touch lines (side line) by a member of team “A”, a member of team “B” is given the ball. The ball is put back into play with a throw in at the spot where it went out. Note that the ball is not out of bounds until the entire ball has passed over the touch line (or goal line). The player throwing in the ball must keep both feet on the ground behind or on the touch line until after the ball is released. Both hands must be used to throw the ball from behind and directly over the head.

If the ball goes over the goal line (end line), but not into the goal, and was last touched by the attacking team, it is put back into play by the defending team with a goal kick. A defensive player takes the goal kick from the goal area. No member of the offensive team is allowed within the penalty area at the time of the kick.

If the defending team causes the ball to go over its goal line, the ball is put back into play with a corner kick. The ball is placed down within the corner area nearest to where it crossed the goal line. It is kicked by a member of the offensive team. Defensive players must stay at least 10 yards away from the ball.

The players on a soccer team each play a definite position. The Goalkeeper (also called goalie or keeper) plays in front of his team’s goal net and is responsible for stopping the ball from going into the goal which would give the opposing team a point. He/she is the only player who is allowed to use his/her hands on the field to control the ball. So that the goalkeeper is easily distinguished from the field players, he/she must wear a different colored shirt from the others. On many teams, the goalkeeper directs the defense by shouting instructions and encouragement to his/her team members.

The Defenders (also called fullbacks) help the goalkeeper defend the goal. They meet the oncoming attackers and try to take the ball away from them. They try to anticipate where the ball and attacking players are going and move to block them.

Midfielders (also called halfbacks) play most often near the center of the field. As possession of the ball changes from one team to the other, the midfielder must shift back and forth between playing defense and offense. They must think and move quickly, have good ball control, be able to pass accurately, and must have a lot of stamina. They often start their team’s attack by getting the ball to the forwards.

The Attackers (also called forwards, strikers, or wings if playing on the sides) play on the forward line nearest to the other team’s goal and are responsible for most of the scoring. They must be fast runners, have good ball control, and be able to pass and shoot accurately. As the attackers get close to the goal, they will have to go around the other team’s defenders who will be trying to stop them and get possession of the ball for their team.

There are nine major fouls in soccer. A direct free-kick is awarded to the opposing team when any of these fouls are committed: intentionally using hands (hand ball); using hands to hold, push or strike an opponent; using feet to trip, kick, or jump opponent; charging in a dangerous or violent manner; and charging an opponent from behind. If any of these major fouls is committed by a defender within its own penalty area, the attacking team is given a penalty kick.

Penalties area also given for any of several minor offenses. These include offsides, intentionally obstructing an opponent, playing to dangerously, questioning the decisions of the referee, or showing unsportsmanlike conduct. In such cases the penalty is an indirect free-kick against the offending team. The difference from a direct free-kick is that a goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect kick.

The referee is the sole judge on the field. His/her decisions are final. The game can be stopped for infringement of the rules and can be suspended or terminated whenever a referee feels it is necessary due to extreme weather or interference by spectators or coaches. Referees can suspend any player or coach guilty of violent conduct or repeated breaking of the rules. Also, any spectator who persists in disrupting the game can be asked to leave the site by the referee. A game will be delayed while waiting for the spectator to depart. It is the coach’s responsibility to control parents and spectators from his team and to keep them from disrupting the game. It is the coach’s and parent’s responsibility to support and encourage good sportsmanship and fair play at all times.

 SUMMARY OF BARRENS SOCCER “NICE TO KNOW“ FACTS: