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Youth Program Central* Search for Soccer Programs
SOCCER HISTORY OF SOCCER The game of soccer, also known as association football, will be referred to as "soccer" throughout the following text. In China, during the Han Dynasty (around 200 and 300 BC), a game existed that required kicking a ball into a net. The Greeks and Romans also played a game similar to soccer. As early as the 8th century, soccer was popular in Britain. Opposing villages played soccer against each other. The purpose was to advance the ball to a previously designated spot. Violent actions such as hitting, kicking, and biting were not considered illegal. In 1815, Eton College, of England, developed rules for the game of soccer. The rules were later assimilated and adopted by the majority of England's colleges and universities in 1848. This set of soccer rules was called the Cambridge Rules. The problem then occurred that another set of rules existed formulated by the Rugby School. Rugby School rules allowed more brutal physical contact and hand contact with the ball. Some schools preferred the Rugby rules to the Cambridge Rules. Thus, on October 26, 1863, eleven spokespersons from a variety of schools and clubs met to form a set of rules that everyone could agree on. The Football Association was born this night. Rugby School representatives were disgruntled with the results of the meeting and in December of 1863, Association Football and Rugby Football became two separate entities. During the 1880's, slang in which "er" was added to the end of words became popular with students attending Oxford University. For example, rugby was called "Rugger." Charles Wreford, an Oxford Student, is credited with creating the term "soccer," a slang, shortened version of association football. (1) HOW TO PLAY SOCCER The objective of soccer is to advance the soccer ball down the field across the goal line, thus scoring one point (or goal.) (2) Two teams compete, each typically consisting of eleven players. A soccer team consists of four defensemen, a goalkeeper, three forwards, and three midfielders. The defensemen are to prevent the other team from scoring a goal and also pass the soccer ball to the midfielders when playing offense. The goalkeeper is to prevent the other team from getting the soccer ball past the goal line. The goalkeeper is allowed, unlike the other players, to touch the soccer ball with his/her hands. The forwards take the soccer ball from midfield, towards the goal, with the intent of scoring. The midfielders advance the ball to the forwards and also help prevent the ball from advancing past them when playing defense. (3) A soccer game consists of two time periods called halves. At halftime, the teams switch the sides on which they play. The game begins as the soccer ball is kicked from the center of the field, called a center kickoff. Soccer players are not allowed to kick their feet to the height of or above the waist of other players. This is called a high kick and is considered a foul. Kicking, holding, or intentionally handling the soccer ball with hands (unless you're the goalie) can also result in a foul being called. If a soccer player fouls someone in a cruel manner, the official may give the player a penalty called a yellow card. It's considered a warning. If the player continues to play in such a way, or if any player is guilty of excessive aggressiveness, a penalty called a red card may be issued. Any player receiving a red card is not allowed to play for the rest of the game and his/her team may not send in another player to take his/her place. Another violation, called offside, occurs when an offensive player without possession of the ball, moves towards the goal, past all the other team's defensemen, leaving only the goalie guarding the goal. Generally, the team that has been fouled will be allowed a free kick in compensation for the foul that was received. The team ending the game with the highest number of goals is declared winner. (2) REFERENCES 1. Hutchison, Bill. "World Soccer. The Essential History of Soccer. This is Soccer!" About.com. (09/30/04). 2. Mom's Guide to Sports. "Mom's Guide to Soccer." (09/16/04). 3. Mom's Guide to Sports. "Mom's Guide to Soccer." (09/16/04).
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