Football - History and Rules in a Nutshell

History

Football was played in the Public Schools of England in the 1800's. In the mid 1850's efforts were made to standardize the rules that varied from place to place. The earliest rules were drawn up at The Cambridge University. Sheffield Football club was formed in 1857. Twelve football clubs got together at The Freemason's Tavern in Great Queen Street in London, in 1863 to form the Football Association.

Blackheath football league withdrew from it due to differences in ball ank kicking off. It formed the Blackheath Rugby league.

In 1886 The International Football Association (FA) Board was formed in Manchester.. consisting of the four countries - England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland The first world cup was played between England and Scotland in 1872, at The Oval.

The worlds first Football league was borne under the Director of Aston -Villa William Mc Gregor. It consisted of 12 clubs from the midlands and north of England.

FIFA (Federation of International Football Association) was born in Paris in 1904

FFAB (Federation of Football Association Board) was formed in 1913 and consists of 8 members - 4 from FIFA and one each from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

The Game

The Game is officiated by a referee. His decision is Final. He is assisted by 2 referees. There may be a fourth.

There are 2 teams.. 11 players in each team. Each team must have a Goal Keeper.

Pitch

The game is played on a rectangular pitch.

Length = 100 to 110 metres: the 2 long lines are called touch-lines

Breadth = 64 to 75 metres: the 2 short lines called goal-lines

A rectangular goal is positioned at the middle of each goal line. The inner edges of the vertical goal-posts must be 7.2metres apart. The lower edges of the cross-bar supported by the goal post must be 2.44metres above the ground.

Penalty area is the semicircular area witth radius 16.5metres from the middle of goal line.

Duration

The game has two 45 minute periods separated by a 15 minute interval.

If there is a penalty at the end of the game, it has to be completed before the end of the game.

The team with the highest number of goals wins.

Rules:

There are 17 rules

1. Number of players

2. The field of play

3. The ball

4. The Referee

5. Assistant Referees

6. Player Equipment

7. Duration of match

8. Ball in and out of play

9. Start and restart of play

10. Method of scoring

11. Fouls and misconduct

12. Offside

13. The penalty

14. Free kicks

15. The throws

16. The Corner kick

17. The goal kick.