Kick Off - Part 2

So where were we. Oh yes. Identifying all the things we know about football. And it is a lot I have to say. I have impressed myself with the amount I know and I am not even half way through the exercise yet. I'm starting to think this isn't going to be nearly as difficult as I first thought. POP as my lover would say.

So we've done the basic game. Now to consider some of the other important elements. At half time all the players suck on pieces of orange. Sometimes there are extra players in case someone gets injured or tired. They sit on a bench but run up and down the side line if they are going to get called on to warm up.

If the game is very important and ends in a draw then some extra time gets added onto the end. Also, when play stops because someone is injured or the referee has to tell them off for bad behaviour he stops his watch so that time gets added on the end too. If the game is really really important then there is a penalty shoot out.

Penalty shoot outs are quite something. I have watched a couple and even I have to admit they are exciting. High drama indeed. Every shot makes the difference. And the poor goalies. They have to play every shot. Such moments are the making of heroes and villains.

They decide who gets first kick of the ball by tossing a coin before the match. The punishment system for bad behaviour is that for minor things the referee waves a yellow card at you. For serious things or if you have already had a yellow card waved at you the referee waves a red card and you have to leave the pitch. Being sent off the pitch is shameful.

There is one more thing. Something that goes to the heart of part of what football is about I think.

Read my next post for the offside rule.