Gamesmanship - Football/soccer

Football/soccer

In association football (soccer), it is considered good sportsmanship to kick the ball out of play if a player on the opposing side is injured; when the ball is to be thrown in, it is also considered to be good sportsmanship in this situation to kick it (or throw it) back to the other team who had intentionally kicked it out. Gamesmanship arises in this situation when, rather than passing the ball back to the side who kicked the ball out, the injured player's teammates keep the ball after the throw-in. Whilst not illegal or against the rules of the sport, it is heavily frowned upon.

A high-profile example occurred during the game Portugal vs. Netherlands in round 16 of FIFA World Cup 2006, where the game, already marred by numerous cautions and even red cards, further deteriorated because of such an incident. Also, in a 1999 English FA Cup fifth round tie between Arsenal and Sheffield United, Arsenal's winning goal scored under these circumstances was so contentious the Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger offered to replay the match. Sheffield United accepted, though Arsenal went on to win the second game by the same margin, 2-1.

Feigning injury to cause the ball to be kicked out is another example of gamesmanship intended to break the flow of play When a free kick is awarded, members of the defending team will often pick up the ball and drop it back behind them as they retreat. Whilst not throwing the ball away, which would be an infringement, the purpose is to prevent a swiftly taken free kick.

Another less used tactic in association football is to "take out the opposition by means of harming them with the ball by direct aim". This is, however, both bad sportsmanship and entirely against the original spirit of gamesmanship.

Another example is when tackling a player from behind to stop them from approaching the goal, thereby ruining their chances, while receiving inadequate punishment (a.k.a. cheating).