Football is a team sport played by two teams. Each team has a maximum of 11 players on the field at any one time. If a team tries to use more than 11 players on the field, they will be penalized. Substitutions are permitted but players may enter the field only when the game is in a stoppage. The object of the game is to score as many points as possible. The game is played on a rectangular field with an end zone.
A football play ends when the ball is out of bounds or falls to the ground. In some cases, the ball is fumbled and the defensive player picks it up and runs with it until the offensive team is tackled or forced out of bounds. In other cases, the offense is awarded a first down when a teammate fumbles. In these cases, the offensive team is awarded a second chance to gain ten yards. The game continues until one team scores or the other team regains possession of the ball.
The main attraction of football is the strategy between the coaching staffs. Each team has a playbook with dozens or hundreds of plays. Each play is designed to maximize the chances of scoring a touchdown by moving the ball to the opposing team’s end zone. It is important to be strategic when making a decision about which play to use. Some plays are safe but others can be risky. A team has three substitutions during the game.
The game’s scoring system is similar to that of rugby. A touchdown is scored when a player carries the ball into the opponent’s end zone or catches a pass in the end zone. A touchdown is worth 6 points. A touchdown is followed by a conversion, which is similar to a try in rugby. The team attempting the touchdown then puts the ball at the other team’s 3-yard line or 2-yard line. If the other team fails to score a touchdown, it must take a penalty. A safety is an important part of the scoring system in the game.
In the United States, football is a popular spectator sport. College and high school teams play football regularly. A single game at a college stadium can draw more than 10 thousand fans. It is also popular as a recreational sport. In some areas, amateur teams play football, and there are many “semi-pro” teams that pay players for playing football. In addition to the NFL, the Canadian Football League plays the sport under its own rules.
Throughout history, the game has received great public and media attention. It was first played at the Olympics in 1908 and has since been a part of the Summer Games. The popularity of football has increased dramatically and the International Football Association (FIFA) has strengthened its position as the world governing body for the sport. In 1961, Guinea became FIFA’s 100th member. By the 21st century, there were more than 200 members. This means football is a global game that brings together people from different countries and cultures.