The modern game of soccer is definitely a contact sport. Soccer, a sport played by millions of people around the world, is also one of the most popular sports in North America. It’s a fast-paced game that involves two teams of 11 players each competing on a field with 64 square meters (660 sq ft) of space.
The object of the game is to score goals: 10 points for a goal scored directly from a free kick. While 30 points for a goal scored from inside the opponent’s penalty area. 45 points for a goal scored from outside the penalty area.
Moreover, a soccer ball is usually made up of leather or synthetic materials like plastic or carbon fiber. It can weigh between 7–18 ounces (200–600 g).
How Much Contact Is Allowed in Soccer?
In soccer, limited physical contact is allowed, primarily when challenging for the ball. However, intentional or aggressive contact that may harm an opponent is considered a foul and is not allowed.
Contact Differences in Men’s and Women’s Soccer:
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and it can be played by both men and women. However, there are some differences between how men and women play soccer.
An important difference is that men are allowed to use their hands to make contact with other players while they are playing soccer. On the other hand, women are not allowed to do so,
We all know that soccer is a contact sport. But what does that mean? And how do the rules of soccer fit into this definition? In this article, we will clear out all your queries about the contacts in soccer games, their types, and their rules.
Let’s hop right into it,
Major Types of Contacts in Soccer:
There are two major types of contacts that happen in soccer games. They are known as fouls (intentional) and fairs (unintentional).
Fouls are when one player intentionally harms another player (otherwise known as “contact”). This occurs when a player purposely makes contact with an opponent’s body or head area.
Fairs are when players accidentally bump into each other or accidentally step on each other’s feet. Unintentional contacts or fairs occur when a player accidentally makes contact with another player’s body or head area without meaning to do so (for example, if a player falls).
Rules for these Contacts:
There are also rules that govern the above mentioned types of contacts.
For example, if you intentionally hurt someone with your foot or elbow while they’re trying to kick the ball away from you, well, that’s a foul! But if your foot accidentally hits someone’s leg or leg guard, not so much! Don’t try to hurt someone else deliberately with your foot or elbow, you’ll get punished for it.
On the other hand, if someone bumps into your leg while they’re trying to kick the ball away from you, well look at that! Now we’re talking about an accident rather than intentional wrongdoing.
The Subtypes of Contacts in Soccer:
The contacts in soccer include contacts of body mass, body part to body part, direct head-to-head, and indirect contact through clothing or equipment. Including these and many other types of contacts in soccer are completely described below,
1. Body Checking and Blocking:
A body check is when a player hits another player with his body, usually from the side or behind the player’s legs. This can be dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Body checks should be used sparingly and only if you have no other option.
Body Checking occurs when two players run towards each other with their heads down. They make contact with each other’s bodies to knock them off balance and send them flying into the air.
Blocking occurs when one player blocks another’s path with their arms or legs in order to prevent them from moving forward or scoring a goal.
2. Holding:
A holding foul occurs when a player grabs another player’s jersey or shirt and holds on to it for too long. Holding fouls should be called as soon as possible so that the other team cannot hold onto possession and score a goal.
3. Legal Contact or Tackling:
When a player makes contact with an opposing player who is in possession of the ball, it is considered legal contact and should not be penalized. This includes body checking, contact with the goalkeeper, and sliding tackle in soccer.
Tackling is when you make an attempt to tackle or stop an opponent from moving in a certain direction by using your whole body. A foul occurs when you use your hands or arms to make contact with another player or referee.
4. Unfair Play or Kicking:
Unfair play occurs when a player makes contact with an opponent who is not in possession of the ball or has dropped their hands to show they are not trying to receive possession of the ball. This includes kicking at an opponent’s feet or tripping an opponent while they have one foot on the ground (also known as “clipping”).
A kicking foul happens when an opposing player kicks the ball out of bounds, into their own goal, or over the goal line. As we know, Kicking fouls should be called immediately because they prevent your team from scoring goals and giving possession back to your opponent.
5. Violent Conduct:
Violent conduct occurs when a player commits any act which could seriously injure another player or causes them to bleed from any part of their body (e.g., hitting an opponent with a forearm).
In addition to all the above mentioned types of contact, there are also several other types of fouls that can occur during soccer games. They include holding, tripping, elbowing, pushing offsides for the ball, or kicking it out of bounds. Moreover illegal physical contact and goalie interference.
Injury Occurrence:
The rules of soccer are designed to keep play flowing and eliminate injuries, but there are still moments when players get injured.
Injuries can happen when players collide with each other or the ball. They can also occur when a player steps out of bounds or gets tripped up.
In addition, if you are injured outside the field of play, you may be out of the game for a while. However, If you get hurt enough, and you might have to sit on the sidelines and watch your team play without you!
Moreover, If you get injured while playing soccer, there are many ways it can be treated at home or in the hospital. You’ll want to find out what caused your injury—and how long it will take to heal—before making any decisions about treatment options.
Punishments for Illegal Contacts:
Players who commit fouls will receive yellow cards from referees who can then issue red cards for repeated offenses. The referee will issue warnings before issuing a yellow card, but he or she may also issue a yellow card without warning if he or she believes that a player has committed a serious foul (such as punching someone in the face).
(FAQs):
ANS. Collision sports involve people purposely hitting or colliding with other people or objects with great force. Examples include boxing, ice hockey, football, and lacrosse. Is soccer a contact sport, the player is constantly making contact with other people or things but at a lesser level than in collision sports. Examples include basketball and soccer.
ANS. Accidental contact when one player comes into the other, or challenges for the ball.
ANS. Basketball players have the most contact while playing the game.
Conclusion Is Soccer A Contact Sport
In conclusion, we would confirm that soccer is a contact sport. But there are many types of contacts in soccer, some are legal and some are illegal. In some instances, players can be injured due to contacts and some can be expelled from the game as a result.
From types, reasons, punishments, and injuries we have discussed it all above. We hope that you found all the information useful and found what you were looking for.
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