What Is the Regulation Size of a Soccer Ball?
Little has changed over the years regarding the regulation size of a soccer ball. FIFA, professional soccer's governing body, requires soccer balls to be a certain size to ensure equipment conformity in the soccer community.
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History
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Early soccer balls were made of animal bladders covered in leather. Rubber balls and inflatable rubber bladders came into use in the 1800s.
Size
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According to English Football Association rules of 1872, an official soccer ball had to be spherical with a circumference of 27 to 28 inches. This size requirement remains the same today.
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Weight
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The weight requirement for soccer balls was increased in 1937 from 13 to 15 ounces to 14 to 16 ounces.
Material
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Modern soccer balls are made out of leather but there is a trend toward using a synthetic, high-tech material. This will make the balls softer, more waterproof, safer for headers and more accurate in flight.
Youth
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Youth soccer balls are different sizes for different age groups. Ages U-6 to U-8 use a size 3, ages U-10 to U-12 use a size 4 and those U-13 and over use a size 5.
Famous Ties
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The first rubber soccer balls were built and designed by Charles Goodyear.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Soccer Ball Photo by C Novello
