Football or Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and many fans are not sure if it is a contact sport or not.
However, before going further, it is important to understand what Contact sports are.
What is Considered Contact Sport?
Typically, the Dictionary defines contact sport as “any sport in which physical contact between players is an accepted part of play”.
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How Soccer Is A Contact Sport
So, the question is: are soccer players allowed to have physical contact? Yes, football is a contact sport because players are allowed to have physical contact with each other.
However, the Referee determines which contact is harmless or punishable. Some physical contacts draw fouls, a Yellow Card, or a Red Card, as the case may be.
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Why The Debate in The First Place?
It may seem obvious that football (or soccer) involves physical contact, but why do people still ask if it is?
Well, many footballers today dive and feign injuries from the slightest contact in order to get a player sent off or to win a penalty.
So, many have wondered if physical contact is part of the game or not.
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Is Football (or Soccer) a High or Low Contact Sport?
Well, the answer to this question is very subjective.
However, it is important to mention that there are other Sports that involve way more physical contact.
Examples are Boxing, Karate, Wrestling, Judo, and even American Football.
On a general scale, Football is somewhere between high and low contact sport.
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Typical Effects of Contact in Soccer
Generally, there are two outcomes of physical contact in football – Fouls and Injuries.
Fouls
When physical contact goes beyond the rules of the game, the Referee will definitely call for a foul.
In some cases, a player can be cautioned with a Yellow card or Sent off.
Injuries
Physical contact in football can lead to injuries. Although many injury-prone footballers are very talented, no footballer really wants to get injured.
On the other hand, players having heart issues lately may not be a result of physical contact.
Final Thought
All in all, football or soccer is a Contact Sport because players have physical contact. The referee determines which physical contact is a foul or not.
