WORLD CUP GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Brutality

An act that is savage, ruthless or deliberately violent

Caution

Official sanction that results in a report to a disciplinary authority; indicated by showing a yellow card. Two cautions in a match result in a player being dismissed (sent off).

Charge (an opponent)

Physical challenge against an opponent, usually using the shoulder and upper arm (which is kept close to the body)

Direct free kick

A free kick from which a goal can be scored by kicking the ball directly into the opponent’s goal

Dismissal

Another word for “sending off” (red card)

Dropped ball

A “neutral” method of restarting play — the referee drops the ball between players of both teams; the ball is in play when it touches the ground

Extra time

A method of trying to decide the outcome of a match involving two equal additional periods of play not exceeding 15 minutes each

Field of play (Pitch)

The playing area confined by the touchlines, goal lines and goal nets.

Goal-line technology (GLT)

Electronic system that immediately informs the referee when a goal has been scored, i.e., the ball has wholly passed over the goal line in the goal

Indirect free kick

A free kick from which a goal can only be scored if another player (of any team) touches the ball after it has been kicked

Quick free kick

A free kick taken (with the referee’s permission) very quickly after play is stopped

Reckless

Any action (usually a tackle or challenge) by a player that disregards (ignores) the danger to, or consequences for, the opponent

Save

An action by a player to stop or attempt to stop the ball when it is going into or very close to the goal using any part of the body, except the hands/arms (unless by a goalkeeper within their own penalty area)

Send off (Dismissal)

Disciplinary action when a player is required to leave the field for the remainder of the match having committed a sending-off offense (indicated by a red card); if the match has started, the player cannot be replaced

Stoppage time

Time allowed at the end of each half for time “lost” because of substitutions, injuries, celebration, etc.

Tackle

A challenge for the ball with the foot (on the ground or in the air)

Violent conduct

An action, which is not a challenge for the ball, that uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent; or when a player deliberately strikes someone on the head or face, unless the force used is negligible