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YOU ARE HERE: Home F - J Football The Rules of Football

The Rules of Football

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The rules of Football

Football is played by two teams of 11 players each, on a rectangular field, with a goal in the centre of each of the two short sides of the field. The simple objective for both teams is to score a goal by driving the ball into the opposing teams goal. 


Players use their feet to kick and control the ball. They are also permitted to use their torso or head but not their arms (from their shoulders to fingers). The goalkeepers are the only players allowed to use their hands, arms or any part of their body to prevent the ball from entering their team's goal.

football-fieldThe team that scores the most goals in a game is declared the winner. If the same amount of goals are scored by both teams then the game is declared a draw. If there has to be a winner, as in the case of a tournament's final game, then extra time  is added to the game. If the score is still drawn after this extra time then a penalty shoot out takes place to ensure that a winner emerges.
 

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