one
RefChat Addict
Just an observation that while the terms (or attacking/defending team) are used frequently in law, there is no definition for for them.
Although their use has not caused any issues and the intent of the relevant laws are clear it will be good to have proper definitions and the terms to be used consistently.
The way the terms are used in the game are not consistent. The back four or so are called defenders. Front 2-3 are called attackers/forwards. However generally the team without posession is the defending team and everyone in it including the striker is defending (even in the opponent's half). Same is the case for attacking team.
To make the point clear, Law 16: "A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored." This is clear and no dispute on what it means or intends. However, if a team is taking a corner they are attacking. The ball is passed to a forward who is staying back, who in turn attempts to pass it back to the keeper (killing time) with a miss kick which goes over his goal line near corner flag. The ball goes over the goal line last touched by a player from the attacking team but contrary to law 16 the outcome is a corner kick.
Although their use has not caused any issues and the intent of the relevant laws are clear it will be good to have proper definitions and the terms to be used consistently.
The way the terms are used in the game are not consistent. The back four or so are called defenders. Front 2-3 are called attackers/forwards. However generally the team without posession is the defending team and everyone in it including the striker is defending (even in the opponent's half). Same is the case for attacking team.
To make the point clear, Law 16: "A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored." This is clear and no dispute on what it means or intends. However, if a team is taking a corner they are attacking. The ball is passed to a forward who is staying back, who in turn attempts to pass it back to the keeper (killing time) with a miss kick which goes over his goal line near corner flag. The ball goes over the goal line last touched by a player from the attacking team but contrary to law 16 the outcome is a corner kick.