40

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“Becoming a footballer is only the first

half of the silent prayer a kid offers up
to the sky or confides to his teacher in a
primary school essay. The second part
is the name of the team he wants to
play for.”
— Andrea Pirlo

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Images:
•

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G
O The National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association

A
(NISOA) is an organization of more than 5,000 soccer officials
which trains, certifies and provides qualified soccer referees for

L
the college soccer community throughout the country. The mis-
sion of NISOA is to assist in the development of soccer as a ma-
jor sport in the United States and to improve the quality of offi-
ciating at the college and high school levels. For more infor-
mation about NISOA, its membership requirements and local
chapter locations, visit NISOA.

You may also consider joining NASO, the only nation-wide offi-
cials support organization. As a member-driven community; NA-
SO exists to unite, celebrate, develop and protect all officials so
that they can reach their goals and take pride in their contribu-
tions to the benefits that sports provide society.

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After working youth games, you may feel

you have the skills and confidence to
work higher levels of competition. You
may also start at this level if you have a
good grasp of the rules and/or experi-
ence as a player. For Jr. High games, ask
your association leader or contact your
school district. For high school games,
you’ll need to work with an assigner
In most cases, your state through your local association. Any work The game of soccer -- more commonly referred to outside the United States as
association can put you in with sanctioned school games requires football -- has long been one of the most popular sports in the world. With origins
contact with a local officials’ you to be registered through your state,
that date back many centuries, soccer is played by young children, college stu-
association. Local associa- to prove you’re competent.
tions assign games, many The National Federation of State High dents and professionals. Amateur clubs and weekend warriors add to the passion

times offer mentoring pro- School Associations (NFHS) is the na- that swells up every four years for the most-watched sporting event in the world,
grams and assist in train- tion’s governing body for high school ath- the World Cup.
ing. letics. Through them you can get all the
High school athletic direc- information you need from your state to
tors, association assigners register and start the process to work
Soccer is a fast–paced, strategy game played by men, women, and kids. Its profes-
and other officials can also High School sports.
Begin your High School soccer officiating sional leagues have gained millions of fans around the world. It is considered as a
you get games. major sport that is well-known and widely played in almost all regions of the
Plan to attend local camps journey at highschoolofficials.com.
world, except for the United States and Canada.
and clinics. They are fo-
cused on helping officials Overview
learn and improve.
The game is played by two opposing teams, with eleven members each team in-

cluding the goalkeeper. It is played on a rectangular field with the main goal of

driving the ball into the opponents goal to achieve a score. The ball is primarily

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Although soccer's international governing body, the International Federation

of Association Football, recognizes the birth of the modern game as 1863 in
England, the deepest origins go back centuries. The Han Dynasty in the sec-
After working youth games, you may feel you have the
ond century B.C. saw the emergence of a game similar to soccer called tsu'
chu. Several centuries after that, the Japanese game Kemari began. Kemari skills and confidence to work higher levels of competition.
was less competitive, with participants passing the ball from one another us- Many associations will allow upgrading in the middle of the
ing their feet, trying to keep it from touching the ground. Much later, a violent
season after you have shown a trained observer you are
town game emerged called mob football in Europe during the Middle Ages.
ready to make the leap. That observation, evaluation or as-
It is said that early growth of the modern soccer started in England. Some sessment will provide you with valuable feedback.
amusing facts even mention that the first ball used was the head of some
After you have worked the minimum number of games, you
Danish brigand. It is said that during medieval times, the old form of soccer
used to allow many ill practices like kicking, punching, biting and gouging. The can apply for upgrading. The higher level will allow you to
main aim was to carry the ball to a target spot. People grew so fond of the work more competitive games and earn higher fees. Im-
game that they would throng the field all day long. Sometimes the competi-
portant note: You are responsible for monitoring the num-
tion grew fierce and masses got so wild that there were frequent incidents of
violence during the game. It is also said that soldiers admired the game so
ber of games you have worked in the past. You will need to
much that they missed archery practice to watch it. King Edward III banned show some documentation when you apply for the up-
soccer in 1365 owing to the growing incidents of violence and military indul- grade, so keep accurate records: game date, opposing
gence in the sport. In 1424 King James I of Scotland also proclaimed in the
teams, referee partners, age bracket, etc.
Parliament— "Na man play at the Fute-ball" (No man shall play football).
When and where exactly did soccer start is a question that has no precise an-
swer to it. You can easily say that this popular game has been played for more
than three thousand years. The nativity of modern-day soccer must be credit-
ed to Britain. It was also known as the association football, with Scotland and
England being the co-founders of the systematic game of soccer.

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Many officials start at the youth

level. Contact your local recrea-
tion department leaders. Your
In 1815, a major development took place that made soccer popular in Universities, Col-
local association should also help
leges and Schools. The popular English School and Eton College came forth with a set of
you make contacts to get games. rules, known as the Cambridge Rules. Football was segregated into two groups; some
For information, contact: colleges and schools opted for Rugby rules that allowed tripping, shin kicking and also
carrying the ball. These rules were exclusively prohibited as per the Cambridge rules.

United States Soc- The history of modern-day soccer was established in 1863. In October 1863, eleven rep-
cer Federation resentatives from London clubs and schools met at the Freemason’s Tavern to set up
Soccer Associa- (USSF)
common fundamental rules to control the matches amongst themselves. The outcome of
tion for Youth 1801-1811 S. Prairie
Soccer in the Ave. this meeting was the formation of the Football Association. In December 1863, the Rug-
(SAY)
Streets (SITS) 4050 Executive Chicago, IL 60616 by Football and Association football finally split as the supporters of the Rugby School
American Youth 149 McDonough Park Dr., Suite 312-808-1300 rules walked out.
Soccer Organization St., Suite 270 100 Fax: 312-808-1301
(AYSO) Jonesboro, GA Cincinnati, OH
12501 S. Isis Ave. 30236 45241 Firmly establishing the foundation of soccer in 1869, the Football Association strictly
Hawthorne CA 770-477-0354 800-233-7291 banned any kind of handling of the ball. Soccer’s popularity spread rapidly during the
90250 Fax: 770-478-1862 Fax: 513-769- 1800s as British sailors, traders and soldiers introduced the sport to different parts of
800/872-2976 0500
the globe.
fax: 310/643-5310
TItalians, Austrians and Germans drew to Europe, while Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil
adopted the sport in South America. FIFA was established in the year 1904 and by early
1930s, different leagues were operating from various countries. FIFA is credited with
organizing the first world cup in Uruguay. The history of soccer is rich with events, de-
velopment and its growing craze all over the world. You will find yourself amazed as you
learn about different times of this wonderful sport that has held our awe and admiration
for over 3000 years

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The fourth official, positioned on

the touchline between the two
opposing benches has three pri-
mary functions. First, he keeps
The pitch is rectangular in shape. The longer sides are called touchlines. The other opposing
track of all the stoppages during There is a vocal movement
sides are called the goal lines. The two goal lines must be between 45 and 90 m (50 and 100
yd) and be the same length. The two touch lines must also be of the same length, and be the game. And, at the end of each inside soccer to include in-
between 90 and 120 m (100 and 130 yd) in length. All lines must be equally wide, not to ex- half, he informs the players how game replays in order to
ceed 12 centimeters (5 in). The corners of the pitch are demarcated by corner flags. guarantee the accuracy of
much time will be added on to
make up for them by flashing a those refereeing decisions
For international matches the field dimensions are more tightly constrained; the goal lines
number on a board. that turn matches — was
must be between 64 and 75 m (70 and 80 yd) long and the touchlines must be between 100
and 110 m (110 and 120 yd). In March 2008 the IFAB attempted to standardize the size of the The fourth official is also in a player offside when he
football pitch for international matches and set the official dimensions of a pitch to 105 m charge of verifying substitutions. scored, did the ball cross
long by 68 m wide.
He checks a substitute’s equip- the line, did the foul really
Although the term goal line is often taken to mean only that part of the line between the
goalposts, in fact it refers to the complete line at either end of the pitch, from one corner ment before recording the merit a penalty…
flag to the other. change and posting the numbers Some of the plans for in-
of the players involved on the troducing video replays call
Goals are placed at the center of each goal-line. These consist of two upright posts placed
board. for adding a fifth official,
equidistant from the corner flag posts, joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The inner
edges of the posts must be 7.32 meters (8 yd) apart, and the lower edge of the crossbar Finally, the fourth official is also stationed in a booth above
must be 2.44 meters (8 ft) above the ground. Nets are usually placed behind the goal, though the managers’ primary liason to the field, to review every
are not required by the Laws.
the referee. All too often, they contested decision. But so

The penalty area is similarly formed by the goal-line and lines extending from it, however bear the brunt of a manager’s far, soccer’s world govern-
its lines commence 18 yards (16 m) from the goalposts and extend 18 yards (16 m) into the dissatisfaction with the referee’s ing body has been reluc-
field. tant to move in that direc-
decisions.
tion.
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There are two linesmen in an officiating crew, each as-

signed to one half of the field. As their name indicates, they
patrol the length of the touchline between the halfway line
and one goal line. They each carry a brightly-colored flag
and use it to signal when the ball has left the pitch either
for a throw-in, a goal kick, or a corner kick.
Linesmen will also wave their flags to catch the referee’s
attention if they believe they have spotted a foul.
Finally, it is also the linesman’s responsibility to signal
when an attacking player is in an offside position by raising
his flag. In order to have the best possible view to make Touch Line
that call, the linesman stays level with the last defender of Halfway Line
the team in his half of the field at all times. You can read
Center Circle
more about the offside rule.
No matter what, however, a linesman’s call does not take Penalty Arc

effect unless the referee blows the whistle. Penalty Area

Goal Area

Goal Line

Corner

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Game fees vary widely based

A basic understanding of soccer equipment and their uses makes the
on the players’ age group,
shopping trip a little easier. At the youth soccer level, the equipment
competitive level and the
is relatively straightforward and easy to find. your child needs to play.
state you officiate in. You can Ask a respected veteran offi-
>> Here are the Things << expect the range of. The fees cial to be your mentor. That
range from $10-$20 for youth mentor will help answer your
games and $20-$50 for com- questions and provide crucial
petitive games with older ath- support. Don’t be afraid to
letes. To maximize your in- ask questions about situa-
come, you can work a combi- tions and rules. The more
nation of levels several days a you talk about being a soccer
week, including weekend tour- official, the more you will
naments where you can work learn about it.
games all day. An official with
UNIFORMS a full schedule can make sev-
Most youth soccer leagues require a standard eral hundred dollars per week
uniform for all players. This might range from outside their normal jobs.
a simple T-shirt to a complete soccer uniform
with matching jersey, shorts and socks. Some
leagues issue the uniform to players, while
others require you to order the uniform your-
self.
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PRACTICE
CLOTHES
The referee is the most important of the four offi-
Uniforms are typically re-
cials on the pitch. Only he carries a whistle and he
served for wear in games
uses it to signal the starts and stops of play.
only, so your little kicker
Those include kickoff, half-time, full-time, goals,
needs comfortable athletic
and fouls.
clothes for soccer practice.
In the event of a foul, the referee can blow his
Choose clothes that allow
whistle to award a free kick — or a penalty kick if
a full range of motion.
it happens to occur inside the penalty area — and
Sweat-wicking material
penalize the player who committed it. A referee’s
keeps your child cool and
first recourse is usually a stern verbal warning.
dry during sweaty warm-
But beyond that, the referee can show the player
a yellow card and take his name — this is fre-
quently known as a “booking” because the referee
writes the name down in a little book. A player
who receives two yellow cards in a game is sent
SOCCER CLEATS
off and his team will have to continue with one
fewer players on the pitch. When your child plays in an orga-
Besides the yellow card, the referee also carries a nized league, you likely need soccer-
red card which he can use to punish especially se- specific cleats. These shoes are de-
rious infractions. The red card means an immedi- signed for the sport to give your
ate dismissal. The referee also has the power to soccer player the support and trac-
dismiss a manager from the sideline. tion necessary in the game.

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SHIN GUARD

Protective shin guards are an-

An introductory soccer officiating course can be
other requirement in most
approximately 16 hours. You can expect lec-
leagues. They rest at the front of tures, demonstration and exercises on the 17
the shin to protect from errant basic Laws of the Game. If you only want to
kicks and fast-moving balls. work small-sided youth games, there are specif-
ic training courses which may be shorter. There
is a small fee for initial training ranges between
$25- $50. You should join a local officials asso-
ciation where you can expect ongoing classes,

SOCCER SOCKS demonstrations and exercises that will prepare

you for what you’ll face.
Different organizations have different require-
When your child plays in an orga-
ments, but most require at least attendance at a
nized league, you likely
meeting to go over any current rule changes.
need soccer-specific cleats. These
Additional requirements may be a written test
shoes are designed for the sport with a minimum passing score, payment of fees
to give your soccer player the sup- for the upcoming season and association meet-

port and traction necessary in the ing attendance.

game.

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BALL

Your child’s coach may provide

balls during practice, but it’s al-

ways a good idea to have a quali-

As a soccer official you will be Soccer officials will often work
constantly on your feet. You will games alone at youth levels and ty soccer ball of your own so you

need to judge the action and with partners at higher levels, so can practice at home. Invest in a
move about the pitch constantly self-confidence and team-work high-quality ball instead of a
to get the best angle on the can both be necessary. Soccer
cheap foam ball that doesn’t give
game. Quick reactions and referees must deal with several
your player a real feel for soccer
speed are often necessary, less tasks at the same time and these
so at the youth level. Soccer is tasks are associated with multi-
played year-round in different ple goals, so multi-tasking is crit-
parts of the country, so weather ical. Although judgments about
will vary from very hot to chilly. fouls and misconduct are fre-
At the youth and club levels you quently treated in public as judg-
may work many games in one ments about matters of fact, it is
GOALKEEPER
GLOVES
day, so stamina and hydration challenging to determine the
are important. As the players ‘correct’ decision sometimes, and These special gloves are designed to
you’re officiating get older and officials need to be prepared to support the wrists while allowing free-
the competitive levels increase, hear and handle disagreement. dom of movement in the fingers. If your
the physical demands also in- child is young, the league may not play
crease. with goalies just yet, so hold off on the
gloves until you know if your child will
actually play the goalkeeper role.

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WATER BOTTLE

Soccer players spend a lot of

time running up and down the

field. The soccer season often GEAR BAG

falls during warm weather. A backpack or tote bag
Hydration is important, so designed for soccer

outfit your child with her makes it easy to carry all

that gear to practices and
own water bottle.
games. These specialty
bags typically include a
spot for a soccer ball and
all the other gear your
child needs. Professional soccer games are run by four officials, usually dressed in
black or some bright color designed to clash with the jerseys of both teams.
Each has a separate but important function during the match and they are
all in constant communication with each other in certain leagues thanks to

14
the recent introduction of microphones and earpieces. 27
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26 15

• If the game needs to

head to extra time as a • For fouls committed a player could

result of both teams receive either a yellow or red card
being level in a match depending on the severity of the

then 30 minutes will be foul; this comes down to the refer-

added in the form of ee’s discretion. The yellow is a

two 15 minute halves warning and a red card is a dismis-

sal of that player. Two yellow cards

after the allotted 90
will equal one red. Once a player is
minutes.
sent off then they cannot be re-
• If teams are still level placed.
after extra time then a
• If a ball goes out of play off an op-
penalty shootout must
ponent in either of the side lines
take place. then it is given as a throw in. If it

goes out of play off an attacking

SOCCER/FOOTBALL
• The whole ball must
Soccer players must learn
cross the goal line for it player on the base line then it is a fundamental skills and tactical awareness to succeed during competitive games.
goal kick. If it comes off a defend- Important soccer skills to master include ball control, passing, dribbling, shooting and
to constitute as a goal. defending. Tactical awareness involves the ability to know your role and have positional
ing player it is a corner kick. awareness on the field, and possessing the ability to make good decisions.
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How to
Acquire
Skills
The fundamental
skills of soccer are • The ball must have a cir-
vital to the devel- cumference of 58-61cm • Each game must include one ref-

opment of a soccer player. You and be of a circular shape. eree and two assistant referee’s
Soccer skills should be practiced
• Each team can name up to
must have the ability to trap the initially under no defensive pres- (linesmen). It’s the job of the
ball and keep possession for your 7 substitute players. Sub-
sure, with the coach focusing on referee to act as time keeper and
team to be effective during a com- correct technique. For example, to stitutions can be made at
make any decisions which may
petitive game. A high level of repe- practice dribbling, the coach any time of the match with
need to be made such as fouls,
tition is the best way to learn fun- should have players dribble a ball each team being able to
free kicks, throw ins, penalties
damental soccer skills. around a 20-yard box focusing on make a maximum of 3 sub-
and added on time at the end of
technique and keeping the ball stitutions per side. In the
each half. The referee may con-
under control. Passive resistance event of all three substi-
sult the assistant referees at any
should be added by placing a
tutes being made and a
time in the match regarding a
number of cones down and teach-
player having to leave the
ing turns to avoid the obstacles. decision. It’s the assistant refer-
field for injury the team will
You can next practice dribbling ee’s job to spot offside’s in the
be forced to play without a
with two or three defenders inside match (see below), throw ins for
replacement for that player.
the box attempting to win the ball, either team and also assist the
and providing game-like defensive referee in all decision making
pressure. processes where appropriate.

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Tactical Awareness
Tactical awareness largely refers Positional
to a soccer player having the abil-
ity to make effective decisions
Awareness
during a soccer game. You can Players should have an under-
practice soccer tactics by using standing of their role on the field,

• A match consists of two group drills that work on skills whether it be defender, midfield-

45 minutes halves with and forcing players to make deci- er or attacker. Regardless of

a 15 minute rest period • The field must be made of sions quickly in game-like situa- position, all soccer players

in between. either artificial or natural tions. should have the tactical

• Each team can have a awareness to get

grass. The size of pitches is
minimum off 11 players Playing three attackers against open and provide a passing op-
allowed to vary but must be
(including 1 goalkeeper two defenders toward the goal tion when a team- mate is in pos-
within 100-130 yards long can be good tactical practice. The session of the ball. When defend-
who is the only player
allowed to handle the and 50-100 yards wide. The attacking team can begin each ing, a soccer play- er must have

ball within the 18 yard pitch must also be marked repetition 25 yards out from goal. the ability to put pressure on the

box) and a minimum of On the coach's signal, they begin ball if they are the nearest de-
with a rectangular shape
7 players are needed to play, attempting to score a goal fender, or to
around the outside show-
constitute a match. with the two defenders attempt- cover an off-the-ball runner,
ing out of bounds, two six ing to stop them. The soccer providing defensive balance.
yard boxes, two 18 yard coach can use this drill to practice
boxes and a centre circle. teaching players when to dribble

A spot for a penalty and when it is best to pass to a

teammate. The decision of when
placed 12 yards out of
to shoot should also be taught in
both goals and centre cir-
this drill.
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18 23

Technical & Tactical Awareness

Offside can be called when an attacking player is in front of the last defend-
Ball Control: Players
er when the pass is played through to them. The offside area is designed to
must be able to bring a ball
discourage players from simply hanging around the opponent’s goal waiting
played under control instantly for a pass. To be onside they must be placed behind the last defender when
and smoothly. This is the ability the ball is played to them. If the player is in front of that last defender then
to collect and move in a differ- he is deemed to be offside and free kick to the defending team will be called.
ent direction without stopping A player cannot be caught offside in their own half. The goalkeeper does not
the ball completely, yet still count as a defender. If the ball is played backwards and the player is in front

maintain it securely. Players of the last defender then he is deemed to be not offside.

must develop the technique to

receive a pass at top speed. This means not slowing down to collect a

ball coming on the ground, bouncing, or in the air. Players must be

able to protect the ball by shielding it and developing deception in or-

der to get rid of your opponent.

Passing: Players must be able

to successfully complete short and To win you have to score more goals than that of your opponents. If
long range passes. This incorpo- the scores are level after 90 minutes then the game will end as a draw
rates all of your ball skills, including apart from in cup games where the game can go to extra time and
heading, bending, chipping, and the even a penalty shootout to decide the winner. Players must use their
ability to drive the ball to a part- feet to kick the ball and are prohibited to use their hands apart from
ner. Players will find that at a high goalkeepers who can use any part of their body within the 18 yard box
level, it is easier to control and (of which more can be found out in the next section).
make quick decisions with a ball

that is driven, rather than weakly

played.
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22 19
Dribbling: This is the ability to feint, accelerate past opponents
and change directions breaking through packed defensive lines. Play-

ers should be able to show quick feet,

combined with a sense of comfort

under pressure, to penetrate into

Each team consists of 11 players.
space to open opportunities and un-
These are made up of one goalkeeper
and ten outfield players. The pitch derstand situations.

dimensions vary from each ground

but are roughly 120 yards long and 75 Heading: The abil-
yards wide. On each pitch you will To score the ball must go into ity to head at goal after
have a 6-yard box next to the goal crosses, heading high,
your opponent’s goal. The
mouth, an 18-yard box surrounding wide, and deep for de-
whole ball needs to be over
the 6-yard box and a center circle. fensive clearances,
the line for it to be a legiti-
Each half of the pitch must be a mir- heading balls as a one-
mate goal. A goal can be
ror image of the other in terms of di-
touch pass (both into
mensions. scored with any part of the
space or to a partner’s
Essentially the equipment that is body apart from the hand or
feet) in order to create
needed for a soccer match is pitch arm up to the shoulder. The
shooting chances.
and a football. Additionally, players goal itself consists of a frame
can be found wearing studded foot- measuring 8 feet high and 8 Finishing: Nothing
ball boots, shin pads and matching yards wide. makes more of an impression on people
strips. The goalkeepers will addition- than the skill of goal scoring. This aspect
ally wear padded gloves as they are
takes in the correct technique of striking
the only players allowed to handle the
the ball in various ways; driving low balls,
ball. Each team will have a designated
hitting volleys, half-volleys, half-chances,
captain.
chipping, bending, heading, etc. Coaches

are looking for that player who can exhibit

composed aggressiveness, swift secure
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20 21

Tactical insight incorporates the anticipation, read-

ing and execution of certain clues that happen dur-

ing possession and non-possession of that ball.

In Attack - Player not in pos- In Attack - Player in possession:

session: 1) Shows good peripheral vision, rec-
1) Makes themselves available ognizing the correct time to switch
for the ball, could be diagonal the ball
or a crossover run 2) Shows good penetrating vision,
2) understands when to offer allowing them to see and utilize play-
close support and when to stay ers further down the field
away
3) Understand the correct time to
3) Recognizes timing to execute
play direct or keep possession and
"take overs" and "overlaps"
shield

4) Sees opportunities to play

"combination patterns"
In Defense - with the desire to regain The aim of football is to score more goals then your
possession of the ball, players should understand: opponent in a 90 minute playing time frame. The
1) When to step in to intercept the pass
match is split up into two halves of 45 minutes.
After the first 45 minutes players will take a 15
2) When to mark the opponent tight in order to eliminate a passing oppor-
minute rest period called half time. The second 45
tunity for the opposing team minutes will resume and any time deemed fit to be
3) When, where, and how (posture) to tackle added on by the referee (injury time) will be accord-
ingly.
4) When to contain your opponent and force them in a specific direction.20 21
16 17