[Latest] Football History, Rules, Dimensions, Venues 2024

Last updated on July 14th, 2024 at 04:50 pm

Football

Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball. 

It is played by 250 million players in over 150 countries, making it the world’s most popular sport. The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end.

Football is considered as one of the most famous games in the world. Now, it is universally  accepted as its rules are simple. It is very popular in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. In India, football is very famous in West Bengal. 

The second oldest Football tournament known as Durand Cup was started in India in 1888 in Shimla. Later, this venue was changed to New  Delhi from 1940.

History of Football

Football is also known as Soccer. The history of football is very old, as similar versions of the game were played in many civilizations. Greeks played the game ‘Sphaira’ which resembles football. 

There was a tough fight to snatch the ball from opponents (by any means) and reach towards the opponent end line. Roman people also played ‘Calcio’ in which they used legs to make the ball go towards the opponent ‘s end line. Chinese people also played ‘Tsu Chu’ in which a bladder (leather filled) was kicked by the legs.

The modern version of the game came from England in 1848, when the first match was played between two local teams. ‘Sheffield Football Club’ developed proper football team in 1863. The first recorded match was played in 1872 between England and Scotland.

Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was formed in 1904 which regulates the rules and development of football.

Football became official event in Olympic Games in 1908 from London (after demonstration game in 1900 and 1904 Olympics). The first World Cup of football was organized in 1930.

It is a very popular game among Europeans, Latin Americans, Asians and African countries. FIFA has more than 200 nations as its members. Many clubs are formed for participation in European league, which has raised football standards.

In India, the Britishers brought this game. The first Indian Federation, the Indian Football Association, was founded in 1893 but did not have a single Indian on its board. Later named as All India Football Federation (AIFF) formed in 1937. 

Football became very popular in Bengal. Many clubs were established to improve football in Bengal. India also started the second oldest football tournament known as ‘Durand Cup’ in 1888 in Shimla. Later, this venue was shifted to New Delhi from 1940.

Indian Football League has hightened the football in India. There are many clubs associated with football in India like Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting, East Bengal, JCT Phagwara, Salgaokar, Mahindra United, Dempo SC, Churchill Brothers, etc.

Also Read: Basketball History, Rules, Dimensions

Player Positions

Football players position

Latest Rules of The Game

  • The objective of soccer is to send the ball into the opposing team’s goal, by propelling it with the feet or any other part of the body but not with the arms or hands. 
  • Two teams, with a maximum of 11 players each (1 goalkeeper and 10 field players), play.
  • Two halves of 45 minutes each is the time.
  • Game is started with a push-pass in the opponent’s field from the centre circle.
  • Referee keeps a check on the time and may extend the period beyond the regulated 45 minutes (if it seems necessary, due to injuries, the change of the player, undue delay, etc). The Referee is assisted by two linesmen or Assistant Referees.

Tie Rule 

(i) Extra Time : During a knockout tournament, if there is a tie at the end of regulation time. then the teams play for 30 minutes extra time of two halves of 15 minutes each. In this duration if any team scores the goal. wins the match. Earlier there was golden goal period in which the team who scored the goal first won the game but now it is said as silver goal period.

(ii) Penalty Shoot-Outs: If there is still a tie after the overtime period, a penalty shoot-out takes place. The Referee decides which goal will be used for the penalty kicks; the team to kick first is determined by a toss. 

Each team chooses 5 players to take the kicks in turn. The team that has the most goals after 5 kicks wins the game.

(iii) Sudden-Death : If the teams are still tied after 5 kicks each, the teams keep taking penalty kicks until one team wins. The goal is scored when the ball crosses the goal line (may be on surface or in air).

Measurement And Specifications

Football field
  •  Ground Dimension = 100 to 130 yards in length and 50 to 100 yards in breadth. Standard ground 120 yards (110 m) length x 80 yards (73 m) breadth
  • Officials of Match = 1 Match Referee, 2 Assistant Referees or Linesmen, 1 Commissioner, 1 Injury Timekeeper (depending upon tournament)
  • Weight of the Football = 14 to 16 ounce (425 g ± 25 g)
  • Circumference of Football = 27 to 28 inches (68 cm to 71.1 cm)
  • No. of Players in Team = 16 (11 playing and 5 substitutes)  Minimum no. of Players = 7 (in case of expelled players)
  • Substitution Allowed = 3 (Three) in a match
  • Duration of Match = 2 halves of 45 minutes (M) and 40 minutes (W)
  • Extra Time = 2 halves of 15 minutes each
  • Goalpost Dimension = 8 yds. (7.3 m) x 8 ft. (2.44 m) with 5 inches thickness of post (xo Width of Line = 5 inches (12 cm)
  • Player’s Equipment = Studs (football shoes), Shin Guard, T-shirt with No., Shorts, Stocking
  • Center Circle Radius = 10 yards (9.15 m)
  • Corner Arc = 1 yard (91 cm) at corners
  • Height of Flags = 5 feet (1.5 m) at corners
  • Penalty Point = 12 yds. (11 m) from Goal Line
  • Goal Line = 5 inches (between Goalpost) for considering goal

Terminologies

Throwing-In : It is given to the opponent if the ball passes over the sideline on ground or in air. This is taken by the player from the sideline. Player throws the ball over the head to give the pass to his player. Both the feet are in contact with the ground. A goal cannot be scored directly from throw-in.

Off-side : A player is in an Off-side position, if he is OFF-SIDE nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. A player is not in an offside position if he is in his own half of the field of play. 

He is level with the second-last opponent. He is level with the last two opponents. This off-side is also considered as a defensive tactic (the entire defensive line moves rapidly in a wave to put the attackers off-side). Off-side is given by linesman by raising red flag. 

Goal is not considered in that case and opponent is awarded with indirect kick.

Corner Kick : It is also known as Flag kick. Corner kick is awarded when a defender puts the ball out of the play behind his team’s goal line. 

An attacking player then tries to send the ball in front of the goal for another attacker to head or make a short pass to a teammate to convert it into goal. It is taken from a corner-arc or quarter-yard circle.

Free-Kick : It is given when the Referee shows the warning card to the player. This foul has been committed outside the penalty area like intentional delay, intentional hit to the player, intentional handling the ball, charging, dangerous play, holding opponent from behind, violent play, kicking the opponent. 

While taking direct-kick the opposing player should be at least 10 yards away from the ball. Goal can be scored from direct-kick.

Indirect Free-Kick : An indirect free-kick is awarded to the opponent if a goalkeeper commits any of the following offences inside his own penalty area

Takes more than four steps while controlling the ball with his hands, before releasing it from his possession; Touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession without touching another player;

Touches the ball with his hand after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a teammate; Touches the ball with his hand after he has received it directly from a throw-in by a teammate.

Penalty-Kick : A penalty-kick is awarded when a foul is committed by a defender in the penalty area. The ball is placed on the penalty spot and the attacking player tries to kick it directly into the goal and goalkeeper only defends it. 

The offenses are like Intentional hit to the player; Intentional handling the ball; Charging opponent; Holding opponent from behind.

Position during the execution of a Penalty kick in a game of football: 

(i) The ball: At Penalty spot 

(ii) The defending goalkeeper : In front of goal line, in own goal area. 

(iii) The players: All other players in the Center circle.

Dropped-Ball : In case of struggle for ball possession when both players commit simultaneous foul, in that case the Referee stops the game for some time and afterwards drops the common ball to get the possession of the ball. Play restarts when the ball touches the ground.

Ball Out of Play : The ball leaves the field by entirely crossing a goal line or touch line (this includes when a goal is scored). Play is stopped by the Referee (for example when a foul has been committed). A player is seriously  injured, or the ball becomes defective.

Ball Replacement Procedure : Procedure may be adopted if the ball is damaged or becomes defective during fre course of play, the match is stopped. 

The match is restarted by dropping the replacement at the place where the original ball became defective. Inside the goal area, in this case Referee drops the replacement ball on the goal area at the nearest point where the original ball was located when play was stopped.

Wastage of Time During Play : During Substitution; Assessment of injury to players; Removal of injured player from the field for treatment; Fouls.

Through-Pass : In this the ball is passed between two or more defenders and the own teammate collects the ball and moves further. 

Defense-Lapse : When the defending player fails to intercept or tackle the ball which has been approaching towards the goalpost.

Goal-Scored : The Referee will signal goal when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goalpost and under the crossbar of the goal post. It must be scored in a fair manner.  

Technical Area : It is an area which a manager, other coaching personnel, and substitutes are allowed to occupy during a match. The technical area includes the dugout, bench and a marked zone adjacent to the pitch. It is 1 meter away extending towards the Touch line.

Optional Mark : Optional mark is a type of marker on the field. It is used to mark where the ball should be for a free-Eck in the game. It is marked on the goal line which is 10 yds away from the corner point towards the goal post.

Injury-Time : The time for which game has been stopped temporarily due to injury of the player. This stopped duration of game is added in regular time after each half.

Extra-Time : The time allotted to decide the match in case of draw. This time is awarded after expiry of normal 

Warning (Yellow Card) : The players receive a warning if they regularly break the rules, do not respect the Referee’s decision, delay the start of play, are argumentative or show unsportsman conduct, goalkeeper keeps possession of the ball for more than six seconds, etc.

Expulsion (Red Card) : Player is expelled if he commits a serious foul; is violent; strikes, charges; kicks or anempts to kick; trips on opponent, holds opponent; handles the ball intentionally; uses abusive language, offensive or insulting language; receives a second yellow card during the game.

Goal-Kick : When the ball passes over the goal line without goal scoring by the aüacking player, the ball is kicked by placing from the penalty area.

Kick-Off : It is the starting of the game (in the beginning or after halftime or after the goal has been scored or in extra time), During kick-off players remain in their own half. The Opposing team player does not enter the 10 yards circle until the ball is pushed or kicked forward.

Kick-off player should not touch the ball played by another player.

Substitution : Though there are five reserve players but only two substitutes are permitted during the match , that too  with permission from the Referee.

Duties

Duties of Match Referee 

Match Referee is an official responsible for the conduct of the game under rules and regulations. His decision shall be final for the result of the match. 

He is authorized to exercise his powers under the rules. He enforces the rules of game over both teams, gives decisions on controversies and disputes over ground. 

Referee keeps the record of the game and acts as the timekeeper. He stops the game if a player has been seriously injured and restarts the game after stoppage. He is to check the equipment of the game and see that the ground is fit for conduct of the game.

Duties of Assistant Referee 

There are two Assistant Referees or Linesmen. They assist or help the Match Referee during the game. Their duties are to indicate Match Referee by various signals like ball is out of play; which team to get corner-kick or throw-in or goal-kick or offside. They are equipped with flags.

Duties of Captain 

He represents the team to decide the toss, make strategies of the team in the field. He decides the team members and their position. He guides the team actions in the playing field like which player to take throw-in, corner-kick, penalty-kick, etc. Captain encourages team members to play better, and checks the conduct of team members on the playing field.

Basic Fundamental Skills of Football

Kicking 

It is the most common skill used to hit the ball with power. It reaches long and away to the desired position. It is performed in various ways like kicking with inside; outside of foot; instep-kick; punt-kick; scissor kick; banana or chip-kick; roll back-kick, etc. It can be used during free-kick, goal kick, corner-kick, penalty-kick or when the situation suits.

Dribbling 

It is faking to the opponent in such a way that the control of the ball is kept. Player controls the movement of the ball with the feet whereas the upper body gives the dodging movement.

Heading 

Usually an attacker heads the ball to redirect it towards thc defender heads the ball to deflect it away from the goal. In this forehead overhead coming ball.

Passing 

In this the ball is passed to own teammate who is close. The  slightly pushed so that it should reach to the desired point. There are lots of passing like push pass (ball is pushed with inner-edge of foot); out-step the outer edge of the foot), through-pass (between the opponents).

Throw-in 

This skill is used to throw the for the play from the side or touch line. They throw the ball over the head while both the feet are in contact with the ground. The player must not touch the sideline during throw in.

Tackling 

It is taking the ball possession from the opponent with sliding. Many times trapping the ball with head, chest, foot is also done for the possession of the ball.

Trapping 

It is controlling the lifted ball before it could bounce or control the ball in air, so that it should fall near the body range. It is trapped by the chest, thigh (upper leg), under the foot, etc.

Corner-Kick 

This skill is used to kick the ball from the corner. In this an expert player kicks the ball in such a way that it should land overhead in front of goal post, so that his teammates must head the ball to convert it into goal.

Important Personalities, Tournaments And Venues

Important Personalities

National

Arjuna Award Winners : P.K. Banerjee (1961), T. Balaram (1962), S. Chunni Goswami (1963), Jarnail Singh (1964), Arun Lal Ghosh (1965), Yusuf Khan (1966), Peter Thangaraj (1967), Inder Singh (1969), Ajit Pal Singh (1970), S. Naeemuddin (1970), C.P. Singh (1971), M.S. Razvi (1974), Gurdev Singh Gill (1978), Prasun Banerjee (1979), Mohammed Habib (1980), Sudhir Karmakar (1981), Km Shanti Mullick (1983), S. Bhattacharjee (1989), B.S.K. Shankhwalker (1997), Baichung Bhutia (1999), Bruno Coutinho (2002), I.M Vijayan (2003), Deepak Mondal (2010), Sunil Chettri (2011), Subrata Paul (2015), Oinam Bembem Devi (2017), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (2019) Sandesh Jhingan (2020).

Dronacharya Award Winners : Syed Naeemuddin, Sukhminder Singh Sandhu.

Dhyan Chand Award Winners : Shabbir Ali, Syed Shahid Hakim.

International

Diego Maradona, Hernan Crespo, Lionel Messi (ARG), Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane (FRA), Franz Beckenbauer, Oliver, Kristin Kahn, Lukas Podolski, Klose (GER), Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho (BRZ), Beckham, Ovens (ENG). S,Ferreira, Cristine Ronaldo (POR).

Important Tournaments 

FIFA/World Cup, Euro Cup, Club League, Olympic Games, Durand Cup, Federation Cup, National League, Santosh Trophy, National Games.

Important Venues 

Wembley, Blackheath, Brocklands (England), Salt Lake Stadium (Kolkata), Ambedkar  Stadium (Delhi), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi), Guru Gobind Singh Stadium (Jalandhar), Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Shivaji Park (Mumbai), Nehru Stadium (Goa), Guru Nanak Stadium (Ludhiana), SAIL Sports CompleX  (Ranchi), Railway Sports Complex (Varanasi).     

Final Words

From the above article you learnt about rules, history, measurements and many more about Football. We hope that you will get success by giving exams based on Football.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When was FIFA formed?

Answer: Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was formed in 1904 which regulates the rules and development of football.

2. What is sudden death in football?

Answer:
Sudden-Death : If the teams are still tied after 5 kicks each, the teams keep taking penalty kicks until one team wins. The goal is scored when the ball crosses the goal line (may be on surface or in air).

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