The starting point
The Laws of the Game are the appropriate place to check requirements and restrictions concerning players. A listed position in a programme is a different kind of evidence: it describes how a team was presented, not every movement or tactical responsibility during the match.
A useful way to read the evidence
When explaining a goalkeeper or outfield role, identify whether your statement comes from a law, a lineup or an observed passage of play. Do not turn a position label into a claim about an individual’s whole performance. Comparing these sources carefully makes a beginner’s guide more accurate and gives experienced readers a clear trail to the underlying evidence.
Keep in your notes
- Separate law and lineup.
- Avoid inferring a full performance.
- State the source of each explanation.