Gridiron Soccer (a new sport)
The new sport of Gridiron Soccer was created by Marelle Reid from Vancouver, Canada in January 2023. The sport can be described as American Football meets Association Football.
Gridiron Soccer is a new sport that mixes the best of American Football (football) with Association Football (soccer) to achieve a game that is less dangerous to play than the former and arguably more interesting to watch than the latter. The game is quick, the rules are simple, and anyone can play regardless of size or strength.
The object of the game is to score the most points by the end of 60 minutes. The game is split into two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime break.
Rules
- game starts with coin toss to see who gets first possessionÂ
- play begins with kickoff by defensive side, as in football
- ball can be passed or run down the pitch as in football, or kicked as in soccer, but kicked passes can only be backwards after one's own 30-yard line
- possession of the ball is achieved either by intercepting a kick or pass, or touching ("tagging") a player holding/running with the ball
- game play does not stop after interceptions, only touches/tags
- a new play begins with a scrimmage at the last numbered yard line the ball crossed
- only players in possession of the ball with their hands can be touched (players dribbling with feet cannot be touched/tagged)
- touches can only be made only with the hands and only between the waist and shoulders (either with one or two hands)
- scrimmages are identical to those in football but all players are eligible receivers
- a center either snaps the ball to a player directly behind him/her (as in the football quarterback position) or turns around, keeping one foot over the center line, and throws it using two hands
Scoring
- a touchdown (3 points) is scored by either running the ball into, or catching the ball in the end zone
- a point-after (1 point) is scored after a touchdown by kicking a field goal through the uprights from the 20-yard line.
- a team in possession can at any time try for a field goal (2 points) during a scrimmage (but then the other team gets possession with a scrimmage at their own 30-yard line)
Equipment Required:
- played on a standard American football field with yard lines & uprights
- played with a standard football (soccer ball)
- eleven players per team, with 11 substitutes and unlimited substitutions
- cleats and shin guards, but no other protective equipment
- no referees: fouls are called on an honour system (as in Ultimate Frisbee)
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Note
Related Pages
- See our large list of other New Sports
- About Gridiron (American Football)
- Complete list of unusual sports
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