Basics Part One

As I am sitting thinking of new posts about futbol, I realized that I never went over the basics of the game. This is a fast paced game that requires a lot of stamina. Any part of the body can be used to control the ball other than the hands and the arms. The optimum size of a normal soccer field is 75 yards by 120 yards. The game consists of two halves each generally 45 minutes long, depending on the age group of the teams playing. Generally, the game is shortened since the physical capabilities of 10 year olds cannot last for 90 minutes. 

Three referees are placed on the field, one in the center and two on either side of the sidelines, in order to keep control of the game. Each team has 11 players on the field to begin the game, 10 players on the field including a goal keeper. If a foul consists somewhere on the field then the team of the person being fouled receives a penalty kick. Depending on the severity of the foul, the player that committed the foul receives a yellow card, based on the judgement of the center referee. This card is known as a warning. If the same player receives two yellow cards, then it results in a red card and the player is kicked off the field. If any player is kicked out of the game then that particular team is at a disadvantage having less players on the field. No one can be substituted in the game for that player. Another penalty of a red card means the player must sit the next game out as well. 

View the second blog, “Basics Part Two” to learn more about the game...