1.

During the very first international football match between

Scotland and England in 1872, players not only wore
knickerbockers or long pants but bobble hats or caps too. The
head dresses were a normal part of the footballing attire at the
time and lasted well into the 20th century.
2. Balls were not exactly round when the first club and country
matches took place. A pigs bladder was blown up like a balloon,
tied at the ends and placed inside a leather case, affording it an
egg shape. The discovery of Indian rubber in the 1860s gave the
ball greater roundness.
3. While it is true footballs of yesteryear gained weight in wet
conditions, they were in fact lighter than todays ball. In 1889,
the spherical object used had to be between 12-15 ounces (340
425 grams) but this increased to 14-16 ounces (397 -454 grams)
in 1937.
4. In the FA rules of 1863, there was
no mention of a crossbar. As in rugby
today, a goal could be scored at any
height as long as the ball went
between the sticks or posts. A tape
was used to close the goal during the
first internationals before a crossbar
replaced it in 1875.
5. Mob football, a descendant of the
modern game, stormed into England
around the 12th Century and caught
on to such an extent it was banned by A 450-year-old football, made
from a pig's bladder and
Royal decree by many kings and
pieces of leather, laced
queens. It was a violent game in
together and found in the
which murder and manslaughter
rafters of Stirling Castle
were allegedly the only barriers to
transporting the ball to village ends.
King Henry VIII, however, is believed to have been a keen player.
6. Contrary to some beliefs, football was very much an upper
class sport in England during its infancy. The rules of the game
were largely drafted by students belonging to public schools and

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universities. The working class adopted the sport during the late
19th Century.
7. The first meeting of the Football Association on 26 October
1863 in London did not end in total agreement among the 12
attendees. One club walked out, refusing to accept the noninclusion of hacking (kicking below the knee) among the original
rules.

8. Penalties or
referees found no
place in the original
rules of the game.
Gentlemen would
never intentionally
foul, it was assumed.
In fact debating
techniques were
almost as important
as ball skills in those
days as players could
appeal against
decisions first to
The ancient Greek "Maradona", playing
captains and then to
"Episkyros" with a pala (National Museum of
umpires before
Archeology in Athens)
referees, named so
because they had
originally been referred to by umpires, found their place on the
pitch in 1891.
9. It was only in the 20th Century that the penalty spot was
introduced. In the decade before penalties, originally called the
kick of death, could be taken anywhere along a line 12-yards
from goal.
10. The word soccer does not come from the United States but
was a term used by public school and university students, most
notably at Oxford, in the 19th Century to shorten the new game
Association Football. The predilection to shorten words with er
extended to Rugby too, known as rugger.

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11. The FAs 1863 rules of the game permitted the use of
handling. Although a player could not handle
the ball if it was on the ground, he was able to
catch it in the air and make a mark to gain a
free kick, which opposing players were not allowed to charge
down.
12. Goalkeepers, in their own half, could handle the ball both
inside and outside the penalty area before 1912.
13. Before 1913 when a corner was
taken, instead of deciding on an
inswinger, outswinger or taking a
short one, there was nothing to stop
a player dribbling the ball by himself.
The rules were changed after several
players teed themselves up before
scoring.
14. Referees attempted to catch up with play around the turn of
the century decked in black trousers, blazer and bow tie!

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The rules of football are officially referred to as the "Laws of the Game".
The Laws of the Game are described very precisely (approximately 150
pages) on the FIFA website here.
There are 17 laws in total, each one briefly summarised below.
Field of Play. The game can be played on either natural or artificial
surfaces, the surface must be green and rectangular in shape. The two
long sides of the rectangle are called touch lines and the two shorter sides
are called goal lines. The field is divided in half by the halfway line.
Ball. Must be spherical, made of leather (or similar) 68-70 cm in
circumference and of a certain pressure.
Number of Players. Two teams of no more than 11 players (one of which
is the goalkeeper). A game cannot start if either team has less than 7
players.
Equipment. Players must wear a jersey, shorts, stockings, shinguards and
footwear.
Referee. The referee ensures the Laws of the Game are respected and
upheld.
Assistant Referees. There may be at most 2 assistant referees.
Duration of the Match. The game is played in 2 halves consisting of 45
minutes each. The half time interval must not exceed more than 15
minutes. At the discretion of the referee more time is allowed to
compensate for any stoppage during play e.g. Due to substitutions or care
and attention of injured players.
Start and Restart of Play. A kick-off starts play at the start of the match or
after a goal. A kick-off involves one player kicking the ball, from stationary,
forward from the centre spot. All players must be in their own half prior to
kick-off. A coin is tossed pre-game, the team which loses the toss are
awarded the kick-off to start the game whilst the team that win the toss are

allowed to choose which direction they want to play. After half time the
teams switch direction and the other team will kick-off. After a goal is
scored, the team which conceded the goal will kick-off to restart play.
Ball in and Out of Play. The ball is out of play once a goal has been
scored or when the referee has stopped the game. The ball is in play at all
other times.

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Method of Scoring. The ball crosses the goal line inside the goal mouth.
Offside. It is an offence for a player to be in contact with the ball when they
are closer to the opponents' goal than both the ball and the second-last
opponent. The offside rule exists to ensure there are always opponents
(generally the goal keeper and a defender) between a player receiving the
ball and the goal. Without the offside rule, play can become boring with
repeated long balls being kicked to a player stood next to the goalkeeper
for an easy goal.
Fouls/Misconduct. These are many and varied, broadly speaking it is an
offence to use excessive force whilst playing the game either deliberately or
undeliberately or to handle the ball (unless you are a goal keeper). The
referee may show the yellow card to caution players for less serious
offences and the red card for more serious offences resulting in the player
being sent off. Two yellow cards are equivalent to one red card.
Free Kicks. Are given by the referee for fouls and misconduct. A free kick
can either be direct or indirect. A goal can be scored directly from a direct
free kick. A goal can only be scored from an indirect free kick if it touches
at least one other player first. The free kick must be taken from a
stationary position with that position varying depending on whether the free
kick was given inside or outside the goal area and whether it's direct or
indirect. The opposing team must be a minimum of 9.15 m from the ball
when the free kick is taken.

Penalty Kicks. Are given against a team when they commit an offence which
would normally be awarded a direct free kick inside their goal area. The ball is
kicked from stationary from the penalty spot. The opposing team must be outside

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of the penalty area and at least 9.15 m from the ball.

Throw-in. Used to restart play after the whole of the ball has crossed the touch
line.
Goal kick. Used to restart play after a goal has been scored.
Corner Kick. Is given when the whole of the ball crosses the goal line and was
last touched by a member of the defending team (and no goal was scored). A
corner kick is taken from inside the corner arc closest to the point where the ball
crosses the goal line. The defending team must be at least 9.15 m from the ball
when the corner kick is taken.

The rules of specification outline certain factors relating to the

playing set up of Gaelic Games.
They specify limitations relating to:

The Field of Play

The Players

Time

Equipment
1. FIELD OF PLAY
Pitch Dimensions
The field of play for Gaelic Games is rectangular and its
dimensions are as follows:

Length - 130m minimum to 145m maximum

Width - 80m minimum to 90m maximum

Pitch Markings
At distances of 13m, 20m, 45m (football) and 65m (hurling),
lines are marked parallel to the end lines. The intersection of

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these lines and the end lines with the sidelines are marked with
flags.
The midline of the field is marked parallel to the end lines and
has a maximum length of 10m (Note: the dimensions may be
reduced by local bye-laws for U15 or younger grades).
Goalmouth and Scoring Space

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The scoring space is marked in the centre of each end line by two
goalposts 6.5m apart, with a height of not less than 7m above
ground level. A cross bar is fixed to the goal posts at a height of
2.5m above the ground (Note: goalpost dimensions may be
reduced by local bye-laws for U15 or younger grades).

Two rectangles of the following dimensions are formed in front of

each set of goalposts.
A) Small Rectangle
14m long by 4.5m wide. The distance from the inside of each
goalpost to the beginning of each line of width is 3.75m

B) Large Rectangle
19m long by 13m wide. The distance from the inside of each
goalpost to the beginning of each line of width is 6.25m
Substitution Zone and Semi Circle Arc

A semi circle arc of 13m radius, centred on the mid-spot of the

20m line, is marked outside of each 20m line.
An area of the sideline extending 5m on either side of the centre
line denotes the substitution zone. All substitutions and
temporary replacements occur through this zone, when given
permission by the referee (Note: an injured player may leave the
field at the nearest point to him)

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2. THE PLAYERS
A team consists of 15 players. These are made up of one
goalkeeper, six defenders, two midfielders and six attackers.
(Note: the positional line up is as below, but no player is
restricted in his movement around the field). The teams line up
as follows:

A team may commence a game with 13 players, but must have

fielded 15 players (inclusive of any players ordered off or retired
injured) by the start of the second half. A maximum of five
substitutes are allowed. A substitution is not allowed in the case
of a player ordered off (Note: in the case of extra time, an
additional three substitutes are allowed. A player ordered off, in
any circumstances, during normal time may not play in extratime, but may be replaced).
Substitutions/temporary replacements may only be made during
a break in play. Before all official games, the referee must be
given a list of players. The first 15 names on the list indicate
those players constituting the actual team, unless otherwise
clearly indicated.
3. TIME
The playing time consists of two periods of 30 minutes each, but
time is added on in each period for incidental or deliberate
delays.

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In Senior Inter-county Championship and National League

games, the playing time consists of two periods of 35 minutes
each.
Playing time may be reduced for U15 or younger grades.
A team must take the field not later than 10 minutes before the
appointed starting time for Senior Inter-county Championship and
other selected games. In all other cases, a team must take the
field not later than 5 minutes before the appointed starting time.
4. EQUIPMENT
A football and a goal post..

1. FIFA cup
2. international Nehru cup
3. Asia cup
4. merdeka cup
5. Durand cup
6. rovers cup
7. i.f.a cup
8. santosh trophy
9. federation cup
10.
DCM cup
11.
kopa cup
12.
women federation cup
13.
air lines cup
14.
UEFA cup

Olympic Games: football was included in Olympic

Games in 1908 . Since, football competition has
become a part of these games.

Rajiv Gandhi gold cup: it is national level

tournament for boys below 21 years
Subroto cup: it I sinter school level tournament.
Santosh trophy: it is national level football
tournament of football.

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Top 10 Sporting Personalities

. Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)

Four times World Player of the Year, Messi is by some

distance the best player on the planet. His ability to
mesmerize defenders with a mix of skill and pace is
unmatched and it often appears as though the ball is glued
to his feet. The Barcelona star is versatile enough to play
anywhere across the frontline, but his country Argentina
have so far failed to find a way to get the maximum out of
this extraordinary talent. Already one of the best soccer
players of all time.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal & Real Madrid)

Ronaldo may have less of an influence on games than Messi,

but he is stronger and taller than the Argentine, and his
goals-to-games ratio similar. Since joining Real
Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, Ronaldo has been a
revelation, making the world record outlay of US$131 look
less outrageous with every hat-trick. His famous stepover is
imitated in parks right across the world.

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3. Xavi Hernandez (Spain & Barcelona)

Barcelonas midfield metronome dictates the tempo of a

match with his phenomenal pass completion rate. He works
superbly with partner-in-crime Andres Iniesta, the pair
undoubtedly responsible for enhancing Messis game further
with the steady stream of passes with which they provide in
the final third. Xavi is now into his 30s, and a
chronic Achilles injury notwithstanding, has the potential to
continue for several years yet.
4. Andres Iniesta (Spain & Barcelona)

Iniesta's understanding with club-mate Xavi Hernandez

borders on the telepathic at times. The short, eye of the
needle passing the pair produce can pierce holes in the most
stubborn of rearguards. Iniesta is also very modest, never
creating problems for the coaches he works under. Scored
the winner in the World Cup final against the Netherlands.
5. Robin van Persie (Netherlands & Manchester
United)

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Having put the injury problems that blighted Van Persie

throughout his mid-20s behind him, the Dutchman is now
one of the most feared strikers in world soccer. Manchester
United procured the player from Arsenal in 2012 and it
proved a masterful signing as he picked up where he had left
off at the Emirates Stadium with goals galore to fire United
to the 2012-13 Premier League title. A player of immaculate
technique, with a left foot to die for.
6. Gareth Bale (Wales & Real Madrid)

The Welsh attacker completed his long-awaited move

to Real Madrid on September 1, 2013 after a summer of
protracted negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur. Bale is a
supreme dribbler who boasts the pace and skill to beat
multiple opponents. He is also a great finisher and capable
of scoring consistently from long range.
7. Wayne Rooney (England & Manchester United)

If there were question marks over Rooney's goal scoring

abilities, they were well and truly answered in the
2009/10 season. Now that he has added more goals to his
game, Rooney is the all-round player. Superb awareness,
long-range passing, hold-up play and a never-say-die spirit
combine to make a precious asset for club and country.

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8. Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast & Manchester City)

The all-round midfielder. The emergence of Sergio Busquets

at Barcelona proved a blessing for Manchester City because
it meant that the Catalans were willing to offload the Ivorian
to the Etihad Stadium in 2011. Toure was one of the
linchpins as City won their first league title since 1968. Few
players are capable of switching through the gears so
effortlessly and watching Toure rampage through Premier
League midfields is one of the most spectacular sights in
world soccer.
9. Radamel Falcao (Colombia & Monaco)

The Colombian has been a goalscoring phenomenon since

moving to Europe in 2009. A serial Europa League scorer
when at Porto and Atletico Madrid, Falcao also features at
the top of the domestic goalscoring charts on a regular basis
and it was little surprise that cash rich Monaco chose the
striker as their marquee signing in 2013 at over 50 million
euros.

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10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden & Paris SaintGermain)

Expect the unexpected with the mercurial Swede.

Ibrahimovic is the moodiest player in world soccer, but
completely unplayable when on his game. Just witness his
stunning overhead kick against England in 2012. Ibra has
won league titles in Holland, Italy, Spain and France with six
different clubs and is something of a lucky charm for those
willing to invest in his considerable talents.

The basic techniques

In grassroots football, the basic techniques can be
divided into three categories:

Control of the ball

Running with the ball
Striking the ball

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1. Control of the ball

a. Control / b. Keepy-uppy
Control
To control the ball is to master it. Properly controlling
the ball means that a move will be successful. The
control movements to focus on are: directed control and
gathering the ball while moving these introduce speed
into the play.
Keepy-uppy

If repeated regularly, keepy-uppy develops the skills

ofdexterity, coordination and balance in young
footballers. These skills favour the more rapid
acquisition of othertechniques.

2. Running with the ball

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a. Without obstacles / b. With obstacles = dribbling

Running with the ball
This is how an individual moves in free space with the
ball. When a player is running well with the ball, he/she
is in control of it at all times: this requires good balance
and excellent stability. Running with the ball while
keeping the head up allows a continuous flow of
information to be received and allows movement to be
adapted to play.
Dribbling
This is how an individual moves with the ball when faced
by opponents. Dribbling allows the player
in possession of the ball to eliminate one or more
opponents by:

making a manoeuvre and taking individual risks,

setting up a team move,
gaining time to allow support from team-mates,

deceiving an opponent (the concept of the feint).

3. Striking the ball

a. Passes / b. Shots on goal

Passing
The action of giving the ball to a team-mate. This is an
essential part of team play. As the core of the game,
passing allows a team to:

keep possession of the ball,

set up attacks,
change the direction of play,
counter attack,
provide a decisive or final pass.

Crosses are a type of short or long pass, usually leading

to a shot. They serve as the last pass.
Shooting
An action with the objective of dispatching the ball into
the opponents goal. It is the logical conclusion, the
culmination of an attack. It is what football is all about.
Shooting requires technical qualities (striking the ball
well, accuracy), physical qualities (power, coordination,
balance) and mental qualities (determination, audacity,
self-confidence).

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Main individual tactics for defending

Always keep between your opponent and your goal,

Always watch your opponent and the ball,
Try to counter the opponents attacking build-up as soon as
possible by marking,
Dont give your opponent space. Slow your opponent down
when they run with the ball (shutting down),
Try to get to the ball before your opponent, or otherwise
hinder them when they receive the ball. Contest all balls,

Mark your opponent on the side of the ball, in other words

the side where he/she will make the pass,
When a high ball comes in, jump a moment earlier than
your opponent,
Do not dribble in your penalty area,
Avoid cross-pitch passes from the outside to the inside,
Play on the outside along the touchline,
Dont hit the ball randomly, build an attack from the back,
If you lose the ball, strive to recover it,

Avoid ineffective tackles, dont throw yourself at an

opponent who has the ball. Wait until your opponent changes
the weight on his/her feet before challenging them,
Never turn your back on an attacker,
Push your opponents towards the touchline,
Carefully follow play, even if the ball is far away,
A good defender never gives up,

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The goalkeeper must command his/her area.

COMMON INJURIES IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Traumatic Injuries
Knee injuries in football are the most common, especially those to
the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament (ACL/PCL) and to the
menisci (cartilage of the knee). These knee injuries can adversely
affect a player's longterm involvement in the sport. Football players
also have a higher chance of ankle sprains due to the surfaces
played on and cutting motions.
Shoulder injuries are also quite common and the labrum (cartilage
bumper surrounding the socket part of the shoulder) is particularly
susceptible to injury, especially in offensive and defensive linemen.
In addition, injuries to the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) or shoulder
are seen in football players.
Concussions
Football players are very susceptible to concussions. A concussion
is a change in mental state due to a traumatic impact. Not all those
who suffer a concussion will lose consciousness. Some signs that
a concussion has been sustained are headache, dizziness,
nausea, loss of balance, drowsiness, numbness/tingling, difficulty
concentrating, and blurry vision. The athlete should return to play
only when clearance is granted by a health care professional.
Overuse Injuries
Low-back pain, or back pain in general, is a fairly common
complaint in football players due to overuse. Overuse can also lead
to overtraining syndrome, when a player trains beyond the ability

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for the body to recover. Patellar tendinitis (knee pain) is a common

problem that football players develop and can usually be treated by
a quadriceps strengthening program.
Heat Injuries
Heat injuries are a major concern for youth football players,

especially at the start of training camp. This usually occurs in

August when some of the highest temperatures and humidity of the
year occur. Intense physical activity can result in excessive
sweating that depletes the body of salt and water.
The earliest symptoms are painful cramping of major muscle
groups. However, if not treated with body cooling and fluid
replacement, this can progress to heat exhaustion and heat stroke
which can even result in death. It is important for football players
to be aware of the need for fluid replacement and to inform medical
staff of symptoms of heat injury.
HOW CAN FOOTBALL INJURIES BE PREVENTED?

Have a pre-season health and wellness evaluation

Perform proper warm-up and cool-down routines
Consistently incorporate strength training and stretching
Hydrate adequately to maintain health and minimize cramps
Stay active during summer break to prepare for return to
sports in the fall
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Wear properly fitted protective equipment, such as a helmet,
pads, and mouthguard
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Tackle with the head up and do not lead with the helmet
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Speak with a sports medicine professional or athletic trainer
if you have any concerns about football injuries or football injury
prevention strategies
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