Somehow, the purpose of our normal football matches has changed from having fun to rough play.

Although the matches are played in good spirit, the competitive nature of these matches has led to rough play and focusing more on kicking the player and not the ball. Although the manliness of any of us cant be doubted, such rough play could lead to a very serious injury to anyone of the players. Gentlemen, if we are so focused on proving that we are better players, we should do so without endangering someone elses leg. The way things are going, in a few days or months, we will all be shaking our head over a colleague broken leg or torn ligaments. Instead of kicking each other, we should try to improve the overall quality of game by improving our skills. There is no universal rule that says that kicking shins is the only way to stop an attacker. Tackling is the last and least appreciated resort. We should improve our game, not manhandling skills. Also, marking a man doesnt mean we have to hug him at every step, marking means to shadow him, intercept passes intended for him, not allowing him space to pass or shoot, in short zoning him out of the game. If the ball gets through to the marked player, and the defender has to resort to tackling, then he has already failed at the assigned task. Let us all collectively improve our game. In addition here are a few basic rules regarding fouls and tackling:

Tackling:
A legal tackle is the one in which the ball is won cleanly i.e. the contact is made with the ball first. If the contact is made with the player first and then the ball, it is a foul. Tackling a player from behind is illegal, even if the ball is won cleanly. 2 footed tackles are illegal. High tackles, where the foot is raised above waist height are dangerous and illegal, even if the ball is won cleanly.

Fouls:
Dangerous play. High kicking near a players head, for example. Illegal obstruction. This happens when a player intentionally takes a position between and an opponent when that player isn't within playing distance of the ball. Charging the goalkeeper in the goal area. Goalkeeper playing the ball with his hands when the ball is kicked by a teammate. Goalkeeper Infringements. Unsafe play such as charging the goalie. Goalkeeper taking more than four steps while controlling the ball. Kicking or attempting to kick a player. Jumping up at a player and making contact. Charging a player in a rough way, especially if hands are involved. Charging a player from behind. Tripping or attempting to trip a player. Striking or attempting to strike a player. Hitting, pushing, holding, or spitting at a player. Goalkeeper handling the ball outside the penalty box. Handling the ball by any player other than the goalkeeper. Players reaction time, the position of the arms, and intention of the player are to be considered. If the arms are stretched outwards and the ball hit the arm when the player has sufficient time to avoid it, it is categorized a handball. Only case where it is not categorized as handball is when the arms are in close contact with the body, or the player does not have sufficient time to take the ball out of the path of the ball (e.g. a shot from less than 3 feet away)

Offside:
A player is offside when s/he is: Ahead of the ball, as well as

In the opponent's half, as well as Behind the last defender when the ball is passed to him by one of his teammates

Offside is negated on: Throw-ins Corner kicks Goal kicks

An offside is judged by a linesman has clear vision of the line of last defenders