the world.

And according to fanatics, anyone can understand the game because, compared to its upstart US namesake, the rules are simple.

The sport's universal popularity is partially due to the fact that anyone who has ever kicked a ball can relate to the game.

Football -- also known as soccer -- can be played on basically any flat field, the rules are straightforward and the basic equipment is fairly inexpensive.

And as long as you are relatively fit, anyone regardless of height or build can play the game.

It takes 11 players to comprise a team and all, except the goal-keeper, must wear matching shirts, shorts and socks. The goal-keeper must wear a shirt or jersey that distinguishes him from his teammates and opponents.

Football is played with a tough leather ball which at the start of each game must weigh between 14 to 16 ounces.

Any game, which usually lasts for 90 minutes, is governed by only 17 laws. Six of those laws outline the dimensions of the field, the equipment and the players and officials who take part in the match.

Only two of the laws are regular sources of contention and usually initiate arguments and controversy during a game. The first deals with fouls and misconduct and the second outlines when a player is deemed to be offside.

In theory, all forms of violence such as kicking and tripping is forbidden -- in addition to any swearing and handling of the ball.

If a player commits a serious transgression or does not heed an official, they can be cautioned or even thrown out of the game. A player is cautioned when the referee displays a yellow card and red card signals that the player is heading for an early bath.

Law XI prevents any attacking player from waiting too close to the goal posts in a bid to score. If a player is front of the ball in the opponents' half of the field and does not have two players between himself and the goal -- he is off-side.

If you're planning on taking in your first football game this Fall, here are a few common football terms to help even someone who's spent the last century or so on Mars find their way through a game: Bench: A place at the side of a the pitch or the team coach and substitute players; Corner-kick (aka Corner): A way of restarting play after the defending team has played the ball over its own touchline. The attacking team kicks the ball from a quarter-circle at the corner of the pitch; Kick-off: The beginning of a game; Tackle: A challenge to an opponent in order to win the ball from him; Throw-in: A means of restarting after the ball has crossed the touchline. The ball must be thrown from behind the head with both hands; Foul: A transgression of the rules which allows the opposing team to kick the ball off from anywhere on the pitch.

Penalty: The same as a foul -- except in the marked goal area, when the opposing team is allowed a straight shot at goal from a marked spot just outside the area.

Source: Sportwatcher's Guide.

International stage: BFA officials hope to increase the number of international games played by the Bermuda national team in a bid to improve the Island's world ranking. Pictured here is Bermuda's Kentoine Jennings tussling with a Cuban player for the ball.

SOCCER SOC