The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-11-03
SOCCER, GREAT ENGLISH GAME,
 MAKES DEBUT IN JEFFERSON
Something of How Game is Played, the Rules and How il Draws Crowds of Hundred Thousands Across the Sea- League Formed in Jefferson County Will Play
 First Game November 16
By CHARLES H. MANDY

ion each side, who are designated as follows: One center. three half backs, two right wings, two left wings, two full backs, and one goal keeper The dimensions of the field of play-max- imum length, 1S0 yards minimum length, 100 yards; maximum breadth, 100 yards, minimum breadth. 50 yards. The field of play Is marked by boun- dary lines. The lines at each end are goal lines, and the lines at the side are the touch lines. A half way line is marked out across the field of play. The center of the field of play Is in- dicated by suitable mark and a circle with 10yard radius Is made around lit.
 The goals are upright posts fixed on the goal lines. equal distance from the corner iagstaffs, 24 feet apart with a cross bar eight feet from the ground. The ball Is round and about 2S inches in diameter. The time of play 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 46 minutes each with an intermission of five minutes. The only score is made when the opposing side kicks the ball between the goal posts and under the crossbar which counts one point. No player is allowed to touch the ball while in play with his hands with the exception Of the goal keeper. who can use any means in his power to prevent the ball passing between the posts this is one of the most important positions and some of the stops made by the crack goal keeper are little short of marvellous. Sometimes the ball is pushed through the goal by the play CTS, but this seldom occurs. A player sometimes goals are made in that man. ner.
 No player is allowed to hold a player nor is he allowed to trip him while running after the ball, but one player can charge" another who is in the act of kicking the ball. By charging is meant that the player can rush the other with his shoulders and knock him away from the ball. The rules forbid charging to be violent or from behind In the event a player violates any rule such as holding or playing ''off-side, the opposing team is allowed a free kick. When the ball Is kicked out of the boundary lines the opposing team is allowed a throw in" The player stands on the boundary line facing the field of play and must throw over his head with both hands. in any direction
 The Officials of Game
 The officials of the game are ref cree and two linesmen, the latters duties are to decide when the ball crosses the boundary line, and which side Is entitled to the throw-in but in case of a dispute the referee decides The referee also acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the game.
 Soccer ball requires of its players speed. stamina and grit. Some of the kicking is marvellous, for like the
 basketball player. the man that at- temtps to kick a goal has to do so or the run and has no time for delibera-
 tion. The center player and half backs play all over the field, but the wings
 and the full backs generally keep theil
 positions. The game is full of actior | from start to finish, weight does not
 count for much except in the full backs
 who are generally selected for theiI ability to kick the ball long distances There are many other features of the
 game that could hardly be describe ed
 in short article. It is a great game i from a spectators viewpoint, as every play can be seen and understood by those who see.
 1t will well repay anyone who likes clean out door sport to attend the opening game at Ensley when the teams from that busy little burg and Pratt City clash. On each team are many players of experience, some of them having played the game in the old country, and from the form displayed in the several practice games that have been already been had, the opening game will be close and exciting.