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Soccer Terms Advantage - Method used by referees to indicate the), recognize that a foul has occurred against the team in possession of the ball, yet he allows the play to continue so as to not penalize the team with the ball. 'Me referee will motion with both arms stretched forward and say "Advantage, play on!" Attacker - The player with the ball and/or a teammate of the player in possession of the ball. Back - Also called a "Fullback". The defender(s) that plan. in their teams defensive third of the field and whose primary responsibility is to keep the opposing team from their goal. Caution - Showing of a yellow card by the referee to a player that has committed a caution-able foul. A player shown two yellow cards in one match, will also be shown a red card and ejected from the match. Center Circle - The circle marked in the middle of the playing field on the halfway line. At kick-off the defending team may not enter the center circle until the attacking team plays the ball forward. Corner Flag - The flags in the four corners of the playing field. These are used to help the referee determine if the ball left the playing field over the goal line or the touch line. |
Defender - Player whose team does not have possession of the ball.
Direct Free Kick - A free kick from which a goal can be scored without being touched by a second player. A direct free kick is awarded for a foul or handling offense outside of the penalty area.
Forward - Also called a "Striker", These are players that normally play on their teams offensive third of the playing field and whose primary job it is to score, or assist in scoring, goals.
Foul - An infringement of the rules or laws, of the game of soccer. Fouls can result in the other team being awarded a free kick, and the player committing the foul can be, subject to a caution (via a yellow card) or ejected (via a red card), depending on the severity or nature of the foul.
Goal - Goal has two definitions in soccer. It is the physical structure, consisting of a net, upright posts and a horizontal bar, where teams try to score. Secondly, a goal may be scored when the entire ball passes completely into the goal, provided no fouls or infringements of the laws of soccer have been detected.
Goal Area - Also called the "six - yard line' or just the "six". The rectangle within the penalty area from which goal kicks are taken.
Goal Keeper - The player defending the goal. This player must wear a different colored jersey then either team. The "keeper' is the only player allowed to intentionally with their hands and then can only use their hands when within their own team's penalty area.
Goal Kick - The method of restarting play after the ball fully crosses the goal line, out of bounds, after last being touched by the attacking team. The ball can be placed anywhere along or within the goal area line.
Goal Line - The line that runs from corner flag to corner flag across each end of the field of play. A goal is located along each goal line.
Halfway Line -The line that runs from touch line to touch line in the middle of the field intersecting the center circle. Players can not be determined "off sides" when they are on their team half of the field.
Hand Ball - Anytime a player, other then the goalie, intentionally plays the ball with their hands or arms, or gains and unfair advantage by the ball playing off of their hands or arms.
Indirect Free Kick - A free kick from which a goal cannot be scored without the ball being touched by another player than the player taking the kick. The referee will raise their hand to signify an indirect free kick.
Linesman -The two officials that assist the referee along one half of each touchline. Linesmen typically assist by signaling when a ball leaves the field of play, signaling off sides, when a player has committed a foul when substitutions are desired, or when a goal has been scored.
Midfielder - Also called a "halfback". These players may assist both with their team's defense and attacks. They typically play in the middle third of the field help get the ball forward to the strikers.
Offsides - Offsides can be one of the most confusing and controversial parts of the game of soccer. At the time a pass is initiated by a teammate, a player (involved in the play) must be no closer to the attacking goal then at least two members of the opposing team. Players may be in an off sides position but not actively involved in the play (i.e. they did not gain an advantage by this player being in an offside position). In these cases. the referee should not stop play. Linesmen may still raise their flag in this situation to inform the referee that there was a player in an offside position, but it is up to the referee to determine if an offside penalty had occurred and that play, should be stopped and a free kick awarded to the opposing team.
Penalty Area - Also called the "18 yard line" or just the " 18". The larger of the two rectangles at either end of the playing field surrounding the goal and goal area.
Penalty Kick - Also called "P.K". A direct free kick taken from a spot 12 yards out from the goal line, directly centered in front of the goal. Penalty kicks can be called for handling of the ball in your teams penalty area by, a player other then the goal keeper, or by a foul within the penalty area. The player taking the P. K. cannot touch the ball a second time until the ball is first touched by another player.
Referee - Also called "center ref "middle ref'. The official in charge of the game. The referee enforces the laws and rules of the game of soccer. The referee is also the official timekeeper. The referee is the only official with a whistle.
Sweeper - Normally. the last defensive player before the goalie. This player commonly "sweeps" from one side of the field of play to the other to assist the other backs in defensive plays. If the sweeper plays up between the backs in midfielders they are then sometimes referred to as a "stopper".
Throw In - The method of restarting play when the ball leaves the field of plan, over either of the touch lines. The referee will whistle and point in the attacking direction of the opposing team.
Touchline - The line running the full length of the field from comer flag to comer flag and connecting with the goal lines. Player may substitute only from the touchline, at midfield, on the players side of the field.