Football is a team sport played by eleven players on the field at one time. Teams may make as many substitutions as they want during the game, and can use three time-outs during each half. The game begins with a kickoff and each team lines up on opposite sides of the line of scrimmage. Each team will use its offensive players to pass and run the ball. A team’s objective is to advance the pointed oval ball as far as possible into the opponent’s end zone in order to score a touchdown.
The game has been played in many different countries throughout history, but was banned in some areas in the 13th century by King Edward III of England. In 1921, the English and Scottish football leagues banned female players from playing at their grounds, but this ban was lifted in 1970. However, female footballers continue to face discrimination in some places today.
To score a touchdown, a player must cross the goal line or kick the ball between the goal posts. To do this, the football must pass between the uprights and over the crossbar, and it must not touch the end zone or sidelines. This rule is enforced for the sake of safety. Once a team scores a touchdown, it can attempt a conversion to score two more points.
A player must be within 10 yards of the goal line. A foul or violation of a rule will result in a free kick. These free kicks must be direct, but indirect free kicks are not allowed.