| Before a person decides that he will become a | | | | constant motion at all times. Soccer comes |
| soccer coach he should have a full | | | | with what is referred to as the "Laws of the |
| understanding of what the game entails and | | | | game." These consist of seventeen major rules |
| the importance of the game. What was once | | | | that must be abided by in an official soccer |
| just an all American sport has diversified | | | | game. Although some referees may be a bit |
| into one of the most popular game on a global | | | | more flexible than others, the concept and |
| level. There are not many countries that have | | | | integrity of the game must always be |
| not embraced a soccer team and are enjoying | | | | followed. These rules are designed to keep |
| the sport. There is a very interesting | | | | the game fair. Soccer is a game that has |
| history surrounding soccer for it has been | | | | evolved through out history and throughout |
| around since the Chinese and Japanese | | | | people has flocked to watch the game. The |
| dynasties introduced it in the 1500's. Rome | | | | game of soccer is as strong now as it was |
| also has something very similar to soccer but | | | | centuries ago. |
| it does not go by that name. However there | | | | |
| have since been many sports that are similar | | | | The basic equipment that is worn during a |
| to soccer and require a ball to be kicked | | | | game of soccer is a jersey, a pair of shorts, |
| across a field to score a goal. | | | | shin guards, stockings, and adequate |
| | | | footwear. Goalkeepers wear colors that |
| In 1863 the rules that are followed still | | | | differentiate them from the other players. In |
| today on an international basis were revised. | | | | order for a goal to be scored the ball must |
| These rules and regulations that were set | | | | pass over the goal line, between the |
| forth are what have made the sport grow in | | | | goalposts, and under the crossbar. |
| such popularity. As a matter of fact, the | | | | |
| sport of soccer has become an international | | | | Free kicks are awarded at the discretion of |
| event where the greatest achievement is to | | | | the referees. These would be equivalent to a |
| win the World Cup. The basics of soccer are | | | | penalty shot in another sport such as hockey |
| to begin with two teams that each have eleven | | | | or basketball. These are usually granted when |
| players. The playing area is a rectangular | | | | there is inappropriate action from someone on |
| piece of grass and the players will use a | | | | the other team such as kicking or an attempt |
| soccer ball while using only their feet and | | | | to kick an opponent, trips, jumping, charges, |
| objectively move the ball across the field in | | | | strikes, or pushes from an opponent. Another |
| an attempt to score a goal. At each end of | | | | reason that a referee may offer a free kick |
| the field there are goal markers which are | | | | would be if an opponent tackles to gain the |
| guarded by goalies whose main job is to guard | | | | ball, holds or spits at an opponent, or if |
| the net so no balls can enter. The ball is in | | | | they were to handle the ball on purpose. |