The game of football is a contact sport played on a field. A referee controls the game and has the power to call fouls and make decisions. He is assisted by two assistant referees, and in some games a fourth official may be added. A penalty kick is awarded when a foul occurs in the penalty area.
The game of football evolved from an ancient sport to a professional sport during the mid-1800s. It began as a game of skill and competition among teams. In 1863, the Football Association was established. Its first meeting took place in the Freemason’s Tavern in Great Queen Street, London. This meeting was attended by a representative of Charterhouse, the first school to play the game. Five more meetings took place between October and December 1863, resulting in the first comprehensive set of rules for the sport.
The objective of a football game is to move the ball into the opponent’s end zone. If a team moves the ball 10 yards forward, it scores a touchdown. A team can also score points by kicking the ball to the opposition team’s goal line, or by catching it in the end zone.
The game of football dates back to antiquity, but modern football codes are believed to have originated in England and western Europe. The rules of the game were modified over the centuries. But the game has always been a popular sport, and it has been played in many countries around the world. It was first played in China in the 2nd century B.C. – although some say that the ancient Roman game Harpastum is a distant ancestor of football.
A standard adult football match consists of two 45-minute halves. During a game, the clock does not stop except when the ball is out of play. However, the referees do make allowance for time lost during significant stops. The second half of a match is known as full-time. It is a competitive game with teams playing for the championship.
There are 17 laws that govern the game of football. The laws are written to make the game fair and safe for all players. The laws are based on a board comprised of representatives from FIFA and four different football associations in the United Kingdom. The International Football Association Board can also make amendments to the laws. The laws are generally drafted in broad terms to accommodate the different levels of play and prevent unfair practices.
Football has a long history. Its development is closely connected to the industrialization of Britain in the 19th century. The new working class populations needed new forms of recreation to keep busy. Many industrial workers had Saturday afternoons free and devoted them to playing the game. Working-class football teams developed in many towns.
